FRESNO (KMJ) — $4 million of state money is going towards a new police station for the City of Selma. The grant unveiled Tuesday is part of a larger package of funds going towards local law enforcement.
“I am very excited today to announce that this year’s state budget included over $10 million for public safety infrastructure in Fresno County” revealed State Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula.
“I am here today to announce that four-million of those dollars will be allocated to the City of Selma for the construction of a new police department”.
The money was identified in the 2016-17 State Budget, and will also be benefiting Huron, Firebaugh and Mendota.
“There is a critical need to improve public safety facilities all across the valley”, continued Assemblyman Arambula.
The existing Selma police station is considered unsuitable to house both the people and equipment needed. It was described as being in a “code red” status.
“The community of Selma has made many attempts over the last five decades to improve the facilities of the police department”, says Chief Greg Garner. “Get us out of what was then a temporary solution way back in the 1950s to house us in a remodeled railroad station depot”.
The planned 20,000 square foot police department will include a training room, evidence storage, dispatch, booking, and holding cells. It’s expected to be an improvement from the current Selma Police headquarters. It will be built behind the current Selma City Hall.
It’s also anticipated that moving the station away from an active rail line will mean an end to the disruption brought about by passing trains.
Hear the story from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
