PRINCESS ANNE, MD (July 18, 2001) - Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend was joined today by Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel David B. Mitchell, Department of General Services Secretary Peta Richkus and other state and local officials for the groundbreaking of the new Princess Anne Barracks.

     Officials grabbed shovels and broke ground for the new multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art barracks which will be built at the same location as the current barracks. The new facility will replace the temporary barracks troopers have been utilizing since1996.

     "Maryland's law enforcement officers are not just working harder, they're working smarter, with cutting-edge technologies and proven policing methods," Lt. Governor Townsend said. "With this new facility, our State police force will do even more to preserve the public safety and quality of life of Princess Anne and Somerset County residents."

     Colonel Mitchell acknowledged the leadership of Governor Glendening and Lt. Governor Townsend for their efforts to make Maryland safer and commended the troopers at the Princess Anne barracks. "We are proud of the quality law enforcement services provided by the men and women of the Princess Anne Barracks, evidenced by nearly 600 criminal arrests and 200 drunk driving arrests last year," Colonel Mitchell said. "I appreciate the support of Governor Glendening, Lt. Governor Townsend and the members of the Maryland General Assembly who worked to ensure the construction of this new Barracks that will help our troopers do their jobs even better."

     The new facility will include a 9,145 square foot administration building and a 3,200 square foot garage and maintenance building. The construction cost is $3.2 million. The project is being managed by the Maryland Department of General Services . The new facility is estimated to be completed in the fall of 2002.

As part of continuing capital improvement efforts to replace outdated State Police facilities, the new JFK Memorial Highway Barracks in Cecil County was opened in 1996. One year later, the new Bel Air Barracks in Harford County was dedicated. The new Westminister Barracks in Carroll County was opened in 1999 and the La Plata Barracks in Charles County was dedicated last year. State Police in cooperation with the Frederick Sheriff's Office have a joint law enforcement facility in Frederick County currently under construction

CONTACT:

Dave Humphrey, Director of External Affairs
DGS Office of External Affairs
410-767-4652
E-MAIL: Dave.Humphrey@dgs.state.md.us

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