WASHINGTON, Ill. – City leaders in Washington did not let severe weather stop them from marking the first steps in the construction of a new police evidence building.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the building on Wilmor Road near the fire station was moved inside, over weather concerns.
The new building is needed after a fire last year destroyed the prior building on Main and Jefferson, and police have been storing evidence outside the city.
Mayor Gary Manier says is hopeful to have the building completed this year.
“The weather hopefully will turn around,” Manier said. “Spring is here, so hopefully they’ll get a lot done. And they’re looking at possibly October to have it open.”
Manier says the city will only have to pay about $1 million for the $2.5 million project, with grant funding covering the rest. At the ceremony, Congressman Darin LaHood announced at the groundbreaking a $583,000 federal grant to help cover the costs of constructing the new building.
City leaders also revealed at the ceremony that the building will be named at Manier. He says he was surprised by the honor, and left speechless.
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