Enhancing Olmsted County public services with two facility projects
September 22, 2023
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has taken a significant step toward enhancing public services by awarding construction contracts for two county facility projects. These initiatives will improve operations and services for both the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Public Works department.
Public Works Service Center expansion
A nearly 10,000-square-foot expansion of the Public Works Service Center (PWSC), located at 1188 50th Street SE in Rochester, will begin this fall with expected completion in fall of 2024.
The expanded facility will feature larger, more versatile spaces for meetings and collaboration. Employees from several departments that currently reside in other county facilities, including the Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Parks, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), will relocate to the property when complete. This strategic move will streamline communication and services among these essential teams. A dedicated break room and maintenance area will also be added.
“We are so excited to see our PWSC expansion project begin,” said Olmsted County Public Works Division Administrator Kaye Bieniek. “Several of our departments that work so closely together will now be in one facility, providing for increased efficiencies, additional collaborative opportunities, and exemplary customer service.”
- Relocation of PWSC front office employees
- During construction, front office employees will temporarily relocate from the PWSC to 2122 Campus Drive SE in Rochester. Phone numbers and email addresses for employees will remain unchanged.
- During construction, front office employees will temporarily relocate from the PWSC to 2122 Campus Drive SE in Rochester. Phone numbers and email addresses for employees will remain unchanged.
- Impact to residents
- Residents should avoid visiting the PWSC during construction. Please call 507-328-7070 or email pwservice@olmstedcounty.gov if you have inquiries or require assistance from the Public Works team.
Regional Public Safety Training Center
Near the Public Works Service Center, construction on a 17,500-square-foot facility at the Regional Public Safety Training Center will begin this fall with expected completion in fall 2024.
Key features of the facility include a dedicated defensive tactics training space and the ability to conduct multiple trainings simultaneously. It could also facilitate seamless coordination during emergency or disaster responses, offering a space for multiple county departments.
“We have a strong need for comprehensive law enforcement training and unified response to critical incidents including potential and real disasters. That’s why a facility like this is essential,” said Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson. “This space will enhance our capabilities to ensure the highest quality training for all public safety disciplines. You can’t underestimate how much it means to have the proper facility to conduct this critical training. It really matters when our communities need support the most.”
“The facility at the Regional Public Safety Training Center is a result of the Board of Commissioners commitment to ensuring sheriff’s deputies and other first responders are able to help in any crisis or emergency,” said Olmsted County Board Chair Gregg Wright. “Additionally, these projects demonstrate Olmsted County’s commitment to fostering collaboration, strengthening our capabilities to respond to county needs, and ensuring that we will be able to deliver essential services in the future.”
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Media contact: Rachel Wick, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6537