 Its construction began in July 1942 on and was completed in early 1943 with over 2,000 buildings, bunkers, and various other types of structures.The cost of construction was over $71 million.The Navy built in this location due the proximity to the area's three railroads, the abundance of underground water, cheap natural gas and electricity, the stable work force, and the distance from either coast (being well beyond the range of Japanese or German bombers).