Richardville supports amendment to scrap Michigan State Police headquarters boondoggle
LANSING — Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, today supported an amendment to forbid taxpayer dollars from being spent on the new Michigan State Police headquarters that is nearing completion in downtown Lansing, citing the state’s declining revenue.
The state currently pays $1 a year to lease the MSP headquarters at Michigan State University.
“During these difficult economic times, my priority is keeping state troopers on the roads as opposed to a fancy new building that isn’t wanted or needed,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “We should be using the funds to pay police officers and protect public safety, instead of spending millions of dollars on this headquarters. Even state troopers recognize that the building is not adequate for their needs and would rather use the money to keep police on the roads.”
Because of the budget deficit, the state has proposed laying off 104 police officers beginning July 1.
Located at Grand Avenue and Kalamazoo Street in Lansing, the so-called “Triangle Project” has been the source of intense scrutiny since Gov. Granholm first proposed it in 2007. The new facility was not competitively bid, and its limited size on the banks of the Grand River will not allow for the staging area, warehouse facilities, or helicopter pad the MSP uses at its current headquarters. The building will also be unable to accommodate the state’s Emergency Operations Center or the Fusion Center.
“As policymakers, we have to face the reality that Michigan has no money to spare,” Richardville said. “The Legislature has made cuts to significant programs, including revenue sharing and education. This is not the time to support a new state police headquarters. The decision to construct the building is a prime example of government mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility.”
The amendment was offered after a ruling from the attorney general indicated the state would be within its legal rights to cancel the lease.
Posted: Thursday, June 18, 2009
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