Senator Bob Casey talks about ‘extremely important’ new Lock Haven Police Department building | News, Sports, Jobs

LOCK HAVEN – Senator Bob Casey stopped in Clinton County this week to talk about the City of Lock Haven’s planned police building, which his office has provided $1 million in funding to complete.

The money comes from Casey’s 2024 funding allocations. It will cover about a third of the estimated $3.1 million cost.

In July 2023, the Lock Haven City Council directed city staff to explore building a single-story police station on a portion of the city’s parking lot on Church Street.

The property is located across from the current building at 20 E. Church St.

This move would be a step toward realizing the city’s goal of creating a new work environment for both police stations and general City Hall employees.

During a press conference Thursday morning at City Hall, Casey explained to elected officials and other representatives in the room the importance of a safe and efficient police department.

“The workplace is critical for any organization and for the police it is crucial to have a safe and efficient workplace,” said Casey.

He also noted that a good workplace increases employee retention, a point raised in the funding request, and attracts qualified and committed officials.

“We cannot expect the talent, skills and commitment of these police officers to be maintained in the long term if we cannot provide them with a safe and efficient workplace,” he said.

The city’s police chief, Matthew Rickard, agreed with Casey’s statements.

“Developing an equitable facility with an efficient workspace will help attract new officers and retain existing ones. This will ensure the longevity of the department and the 24-hour police protection it provides,” Said Rickard. “We are grateful to Senator Casey, not only for the financial support, but for his responsiveness to Lock Haven’s needs and, most importantly, for caring about the future of our city.”

Council Vice President Steve Stevenson noted that the $1 million allocation will help reduce the city’s tax burden that could result from the facility’s construction.

“The $1 million grant will reduce the burden on taxpayers because we will need to borrow less to complete the project,” said Steve Stevenson “The new police station will provide an atmosphere that the department deserves, with equivalent facilities, functional spaces and a safe environment for the performance of the force’s duties.”

City planner Abbey Roberts had previously told city council staff that she would like to secure most of the remaining $2 million to build the facility.

In April, the Council approved a letter of support for ARPA funding.

The requested funding was $2 million, with Roberts’ department requesting an additional $1 million through the PA Local Share Account Program. Both requests are pending.