Maplewood backs $2 million federal request to update East Metro Public Safety training facility

The Maplewood City Council voted to support a federal community project funding request for improvements to the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility, a training site built in 2014 that city staff say needs upgrades to meet current fire and multi‑agency training needs.

Chief Mondor told the council the facility was designed as a fire training site in 2014 but that evolving responder needs now require a facility where agencies can train together. He said the city has pursued state bonding for the project — noting a $4,800,000 bonding request for project design — and is prepared to submit a $2,000,000 community project funding request through Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s office.

"We are prepared to submit a $2,000,000 request for community project funding through Congresswoman McCollum," Chief Mondor said, adding that congressional staff have been responsive to the city's inquiries.

City Manager Sable asked the council to note the city’s efforts to build a coalition of users and partners and to expect further federal‑funding requests for other types of projects in future cycles. The council moved to approve a resolution supporting the FY26 community project funding request (moved by Kate, seconded by Lee) and approved it by voice vote.

Staff noted the city previously advanced partial site design with bonding monies and will continue to pursue multiple funding avenues; the resolution expresses the council’s endorsement of the federal funding request while funding decisions remain with congressional appropriations processes.