City to move planned public safety complex to near airport
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso City Council has approved relocating the planned public safety complex — funded through the 2019 Public Safety Bond — from Northeast El Paso to near El Paso International Airport.
The complex was planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and will now be built on Global Reach, the City said in a news release on Monday, May 12.
The City says the move could save $22 million.
'The new location is expected to reduce construction costs, provide more space for future expansion, and position the City to explore additional regional partnerships,' the City said.
The facility will house the Joint Police and Fire Training Academy, Police and Fire Department headquarters, and the Fire Department's Vehicle Maintenance and Logistics Center. The $163 million project was approved by voters as part of the $413 million Public Safety Bond in November 2019.
'Relocating the Public Safety Complex is a fiscally responsible move that aligns with our goal to deliver a modern, comprehensive training and operations facility for our first responders,' City Manager Dionne Mack said. 'This site gives us flexibility, room to grow, and the ability to adapt to future public safety needs.'
A recent evaluation showed that the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard site would cost at least $22 million more to develop due to terrain conditions, elevation challenges, and limited utility infrastructure, the City said.
Archeological protections and proximity to residential neighborhoods further restricted the site's potential, the City added.
The Global Reach Drive site — adjacent to the El Paso International Airport — offers relatively flat terrain, better utility access, and space to support long-term development, the City said.
The location also creates opportunities for future collaboration with regional partners, according to the City.
The City of El Paso listed the following benefits:
· Lower Development Costs: Reduced site preparation and utility extension expenses compared to the original location.
· Room for Expansion: Space to accommodate future public safety training needs and support facilities.
· Improved Location: Easier access for multiple agencies and first responders.
· Future Partnerships: Flexibility to support additional public safety uses as opportunities arise.
'As part of this decision, the City reaffirms its commitment to preserving open space in the Northeast. The more than 1,400 acres surrounding the original project site near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will remain dedicated open space, as previously committed, protecting natural landscapes and ensuring long-term community benefit,' the City said in its news release.
Deputy City Manager Mario D'Agostino said: 'This is a long-term investment in our public safety infrastructure. We are making sure the site can support both our immediate operational needs and any future growth. By relocating to Global Reach, we're building smarter and positioning ourselves to adapt to evolving public safety demands.'
The City will move forward with refining the design and cost of the project. A 'guaranteed maximum price' (GMP) is expected by winter 2025, and groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, the City said.
The project is being managed by the City's Capital Improvement Department in collaboration with Jordan Foster Construction, which was awarded the design-build contract in 2024.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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