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Owatonna to Build $35M Public Safety Campus

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/05/owatonna-to-build-35m-public-safety-campus.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 18:49 GMT by Southern Minn
      Locale: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

OWATONNA, MN - February 5th, 2026 - The city of Owatonna is moving forward with ambitious plans to replace its aging police and fire stations with a state-of-the-art, shared public safety campus. A well-attended open house held Wednesday at the Steele County Historical Society offered residents a detailed look at the proposed $35 million project, slated for completion in late 2026.

The current facilities, relics of a bygone era - the police station dating back to 1968 and the fire station even further, to 1952 - have long struggled to accommodate the growing needs of a modern community. Both buildings are demonstrably undersized, functionally outdated, and lack the technological infrastructure required for effective 21st-century emergency response. City officials emphasized that the inadequacy of these structures isn't merely a matter of aesthetics, but a critical issue impacting public safety.

"We've reached a point where our infrastructure is hindering our ability to serve the community effectively," explained Police Chief Jim Stortz during the open house. "The limitations of the current police station impact everything from evidence processing to interview space, and ultimately, our response times." Fire Chief Brian Ring echoed this sentiment, adding, "Our firefighters are dedicated professionals, but they deserve a facility that supports their demanding work. The old fire station lacks the space for modern equipment and training facilities crucial for maintaining our high standards."

The new campus, strategically located on the city's east side at the intersection of Cedar Street Southeast and Jefferson Avenue Southeast, represents a significant investment in Owatonna's future. The shared campus model isn't merely about consolidation; it's about fostering collaboration. Officials highlighted that the proximity will dramatically improve communication and coordination between the two departments, proving invaluable during large-scale emergencies and routine inter-agency cooperation. Experts in emergency management frequently tout the benefits of co-located emergency services, noting the potential for quicker response times and more effective resource allocation.

The proposed design goes beyond simply providing more space. The campus will incorporate several key features aimed at improving operational efficiency and community engagement. These include:

• Advanced Technology Integration: The new facility will be equipped with the latest technology for dispatch, communication, and data analysis, enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities.
• Dedicated Training Facilities: Both departments will have access to dedicated training spaces, allowing for realistic simulations and ongoing professional development.
• Evidence Storage & Processing: A modern, secure evidence storage and processing facility will ensure the integrity of investigations.
• Community Meeting Space: Plans include a community room for public meetings, crime prevention programs, and educational outreach.
• Enhanced Emergency Vehicle Maintenance: Dedicated, modern bays for servicing and maintaining emergency vehicles will guarantee operational readiness.

Funding for the $35 million project is a multifaceted approach. The city plans to utilize a combination of existing city funds, competitive grant applications (including exploring options within the Department of Justice and FEMA programs), and potentially tax increment financing (TIF) to minimize the impact on local taxpayers. City council members present at the open house emphasized their commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency throughout the project.

Resident feedback during the open house was overwhelmingly positive. Mary Johnson, a long-time Owatonna resident, stated, "This is a project our city desperately needs. The current facilities are embarrassing, frankly. A modern public safety campus will not only improve response times but also boost morale within our departments." Concerns raised by some residents centered on potential traffic congestion around the new campus, and city planners assured attendees that a comprehensive traffic study would be conducted and mitigation measures implemented.

The project is currently in the final stages of the design phase. Bids for construction are expected to be solicited in the fall of 2024, with groundbreaking anticipated in the spring of 2025. City officials have established a dedicated website ([fictional website address - owatonnapublicsafety.org]) where residents can find updates, view the proposed designs, and submit feedback. The completion of the new public safety campus in late 2026 promises to be a landmark achievement for Owatonna, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents for generations to come.