WASHINGTON, Pa. — Washington County officials broke ground Thursday on a new public safety building expected to cost more than $41 million.
The project will replace the county’s existing public safety building and house the 911 dispatch center and public safety offices on the first floor, the sheriff’s office on the second floor and potentially other county departments on the third floor.
County Commissioner Nick Sherman said the project is critically needed, particularly as the county works to improve its public safety technology and response capabilities.
“We realize this is a pretty big price tag for Washington County, but there are some things people are willing to pay for, and public safety is one,” Sherman said.
Not every county leader supports the project.
Commissioner Larry Maggi did not attend Thursday’s groundbreaking. He told Channel 11 he opposed the demolition of the previous building and does not support the new project.
“We are going to spend $41 million, and that’s just the start,” Maggi said. “You know it’s going to be more than that.”
The county’s director of public safety said the new building is also designed with the people who take 911 calls in mind.
Current dispatchers work in an older, windowless building. The new facility will include amenities such as a quiet room where employees can step away from their consoles when needed.
The new public safety building is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
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