New Trooper HQ Turnpike Builds Half-Million Dollar Structure Using Toll Money December 3, 2012
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Construction workers erect the frame for a new building troopers will use as a base of operations for northern turnpike patrols.
It's replacing an old building which was constructed back in the 1950s and designed to be used for side toll operations. But time took its toll on the cramped quarters, hampering the work troopers could do here.
"It's wore out, basically," Sergeant W.R. Knight said. "It wasn't secure. Environmentally, the heating and cooling system, you couldn't keep it cool. It wasn't really accessible to the public."
The Parkways Authority solicited bids for the project, which ranged from $547,000 to $904,000. The low bidder was Teays River Construction. The company was awarded the work, which will be paid for with toll money. Approximately 75 percent of those funds come from out-of-state motorists.
"The state police provide a valuable duty for the turnpike," Greg Barr, General Manager of the W.Va. Parkways Authority said. "And we needed to provide them with an inhabitable building that they could work out of."
It was decided removing asbestos, creating a sewer system and making environmental repairs would be too expensive. So, the decision was made to tear down the old structure and build a new one.
This 2200-square foot facility will be about one and a half times larger than the previous building. With offices and a garage it will offer more space and security for its occupants.
"They have to deal with wanted individuals from out of state," Captain B.C. Marcum said. "People that just stole vehicles. People that do felonious crimes. This new facility will allow our troopers to be able to bring people in there to interview them, search them."
Barr says the building is scheduled to be finished by the end of February and will provide Turnpike troopers with a detachment for at least the next 30 years.
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