On Wednesday, October 20th, members for the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee toured the Martin County Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center and Jail.
During the tour, local leaders had the opportunity to share why the County is requesting $18.4 million in the 2022 Legislative Session for the proposed Public Safety and Justice Center.
State Representatives Bjorn Olson and Julie Rosen were present, along with County Attorney Terry Viesselman, Judge Michael Trushenski, members of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the Martin County Commissioners.
Sheriff Jeff Markquart explained that the current law enforcement building was built in 1974, with the understanding that it would be a 25 year building. He further noted that the facility is still operating at full capacity 45 years later.
The new facility would house the County Sheriff and City Police, law enforcement operations including dispatch and emergency management services. It would also include courtrooms, court services, victim services, a behavioral health unit and a 50 bed jail.
In 2019, both the Senate and House Committees toured the facility and granted Martin County $2.1 million, which went toward the planning, designing and site development of the proposed Justice Center.
Capital Investment Committee Chairman Fou Lee of Minneapolis aid Wednesday’s tour was the first step of the bonding process. He said they’ll start deliberations early next year to figure out what they want to invest state dollars in.