The City of Virginia is undertaking a project that has been long in the making. With the help of USDA Rural Development, the city finally broke ground on the new Public Safety Center, a project that will be life changing for area residents.

Law enforcement and fire departments are operating out of facilities constructed over 100 years ago. Technology, equipment, and staff have all been modified to fit within parameters of these antiquated structures. Due to a lack of ability to expand, extensive remodeling has not been possible, thus inhibiting department needs to meet demand.

City of Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe Jr. explained the importance of the new facility, despite numerous attempts at infrastructure improvements within the current center. Mayor Cuffe noted the previous renovations included converting the “drunk tank” into offices and repurposing closets as sleeping quarters. Additionally, Mayor Cuffe emphasized the new site’s ideal location.

“It’s an emergency corridor. It gives direct access to the highway and to the hospital, which means a shorter response time,” Mayor Cuffe explained. “They can respond anywhere in the city of Virginia within six minutes.”

The City of Virginia received a $21.6 million Community Facilities Direct Loan to construct their new Public Safety Center. The new facility will be a state-of-the-art and ADA Compliant home for the Virginia Fire & EMS and Police Departments. This regional facility will have multiple additional uses, including regional training, emergency disaster operations, and community education opportunities. The new center will also allow for fast and efficient responses for both departments.

Under Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Basil Gooden attended the groundbreaking and recognized the work put into the new center by city leaders and elected officials.

“I know projects like this just don’t happen. It takes intention,” Dr. Gooden said. “It takes people who are advocates, who are pushing day in and day out to make this happen.”