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New public safety building in Green Bay could cost $38M
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GREEN BAY (AP) - The mayor of Green Bay says he has three possible downtown locations in mind for a new flagship public safety building that could cost up to $38 million.

The Green Bay Police Department has outgrown its existing facility, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported. The Green Bay Metro Fire Department's administrative offices also would be moved into the proposed new facility.

Mayor Jim Schmitt's location ideas include one owned by the city and two privately owned lots. A closed-door City Council session on the topic could come as early as next week.

Bray Architects conducted a public safety spatial needs assessment for the council's finance committee. Company officials recommended the city pursue a combined police and fire department headquarters facility.

The mayor said the building would be a landmark that would attract public attention and help recruit new officers and firefighters.

"The building is going to have a statement to it, and I feel that's important," Schmitt said. The new building would be 135,000 square feet and include training rooms, public meeting spaces, a shooting range and other amenities.

The cost of the main building would range between $34 million and $38 million, with the evidence storage costing another $5.8 million to $6.4 million, assuming the construction is done within the next two years, said Michael Hacker with Bray. The costs do not include site acquisition and demolition, relocation fees, communications towers and loose technology items.