The Kent Central Gateway transit center got off to a rainy start this morning, as thunderstorms forced groundbreaking ceremonies inside a large party tent.

A large crowd of government officials, business owners and residents gathered to mark the start of construction on the $26 million facility.

The center, which will feature 10 bus bays, more than 300 parking spaces and about 20,000 square feet of retail space, is being paid for largely by a $20 million federal transportation grant. The target opening date is late 2012.