The Eagle River Police Department is getting a loan to pay for renovations. Police chief Mark Vander Bloomen says the department wants to create more space for evidence storage. Right now there’s just one small room.
“We identified that we’ve basically used up our evidence storage area. We’re running out of room. A lot of that has to do with DNA evidence – we’re having to keep certain kinds of evidence for longer periods of time.”
Vander Bloomen says the building also needs some security upgrades.
Board of Commissioners for Public Lands is helping fund the remodel with a 100-thousand dollar loan. BCPL Executive Secretary Tia Nelson says it’s one of many types of municipal projects the agency helps fund.
“There’s a real diversity to the investments we make in communities. It’s nice to know when you’re helping a community invest in public safety.”
Eagle River police have hired an engineering firm but are still looking for a contractor to do the work. When the project went out for public bid…no bids came in.
Vander Bloomen says it’s time for a new round of advertising. But the project could end up getting tabled until spring.
