For years, leaders in Virginia have had concerns about their aging fire hall and police department offices.

But they are looking ahead to their brand new Regional Public Safety Center and Training Facility, which is planned for the area off of 2nd Avenue West.

It will be 100,000 square feet, and cost $32 million dollars.

A groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday gave the public and stakeholders a chance to celebrate.

Fire Chief Scott Fredrickson said, “What a monumental moment in our 130 year history. It’s surreal.”

The original fire hall was built in 1895, when there were horse drawn carriages.

Assistant Police Chief Chad Nickila added, “20 years ago, there were mystical blueprints for a police and fire department.”

A combination of state funds and a long-term USDA loan are some of the sources of the money.

Dr. Basil Gooden, the Under Secretary for Rural Development praised the partnership.

Wold Architects and Engineers is the architect, and Kraus-Anderson is the contractor.

The plan is for the building to be complete by the fall of 2025.

For more information about the project: https://virginiamn.us/publicsafetytrainingcenter/index.php