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Commission weighs three possible law enforcement center sites and funding options, urges intergovernmental coordination
Summary
Commissioners discussed three candidate sites for a proposed Law Enforcement Center — a large parcel west of the industrial park, the Cenex travel-plaza parcels with utilities, and a low-lying site south of town — and considered possible city contribution, bond funding, and partnership models; the board tabled a final site decision pending further coordination.
The Ramsey County Commission discussed potential locations for a new Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and how to fund construction. Staff outlined three alternatives: a roughly 43-acre parcel west of the industrial park (lower per-square-foot cost but lacking roads and utilities), several parcels at the Cenex Travel Plaza (fewer acres, utilities in place, higher per-square-foot cost and a Western Area Power Administration line crossing the site), and a low-lying site south of town with water-table and fill concerns.
Commissioners and law enforcement representatives described operational advantages to co-locating with city police resources and discussed whether the City of Devils Lake might contribute funds toward the project; one commissioner described an offer to use up to $4 million in city funds to partner on a regional facility. Funding options discussed included a voter-approved bond and pursuing state assistance, but commissioners acknowledged past unsuccessful attempts to obtain state funding. Given remaining site questions, infrastructure needs and financing uncertainties, the commission moved to table a final location decision and directed staff to continue exploring partnerships and site-specific issues ahead of a bond proposal to voters.
Next steps: staff will continue site due diligence, coordinate with city leaders and the Law Enforcement Center board, and prepare funding scenarios for future commission and public consideration.
