Minnesota State Patrol seeks $97 million to consolidate six metro sites into single headquarters; funding source draws scrutiny

Colonel Kristina Bogojevic, head of the Minnesota State Patrol, asked the Capital Investment Committee on Feb. 11 to approve a $97 million construction appropriation — split as $48.5 million in each of two fiscal years — to build a consolidated metro headquarters funded from trunk highway cash.

The proposal would move six separate metro operational, investigative and training sites into a single facility to improve evidence storage, reduce leased space and centralize operations, Bogojevic told the committee.

"This would take six antiquated metro spaces putting it under one roof," she said, noting problems including inadequate evidence storage, vehicles stored outside, and insufficient meeting space to meet families of crash victims. The Patrol previously received $22.5 million for design and land acquisition, Bogojevic said.

Committee members raised two chief concerns: where the six facilities' lease savings would accrue and whether trunk highway cash is the appropriate funding source for a State Patrol headquarters. Representative John Kosnick and others said they continue to oppose taking highway dollars for non-transportation buildings and asked the agency to pursue alternatives.

"Those are precious dollars that are limited," Representative Kosnick said, asking for options other than trunk highway funds. Colonel Bogojevic and Commissioner Jacobson said the governor's proposal currently uses trunk highway funds but the department is open to other financing paths and will work with legislators.

Bogojevic told the committee the department has identified candidate metro parcels (inside the I-494 loop) but has been outbid on at least one site; she said the $22.5 million previously appropriated covered design and land acquisition and that the current request would fund construction. Members asked for follow-up showing lease-savings estimates if the agency returns leased properties to lessors or state endowments.

The Patrol cited CALEA (the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) findings about evidence and storage deficiencies as part of the rationale for a new, secure facility. Bogojevic said consolidating would allow better vehicle storage, dedicated evidence space, and modern training and public-facing spaces.

Ending: Committee members did not vote on the request during the Feb. 11 hearing and asked the Patrol to provide more detail on lease savings, alternative funding paths, and a procurement timeline if bonding authorizations proceed.