arizona may see money for state trooper facilities

Fifty year-old housing for state troopers in Arizona may be replaced by more modern structures if a proposal by that state’s governor wins legislative approval.

Governor Doug Ducey has said that just under 10 percent of the housing units provided to state troopers in largely rural areas are substandard.

Those housing units are used by the state’s Department of Public Safety for officers who are stationed at various distances between Arizona’s major population centers.

Typically, troopers live in such housing units only during their workweek.

There are currently almost 60 such residential units, most of which were built in the 1960s and 70s and are regarded as having exceeded their useful life.

In his fiscal year 2019 budget, Ducey notes that “newer units are more energy efficient and cost less to operate and maintain.”

The Governor adds that “better living and working conditions offer more incentives for state troopers and their families to remain in or relocate to rural areas.”

According to the Department of Public Safety, there is currently a 50 year-old, 1,300 square foot residential unit in Dateland in southwest Arizona in need of replacement.

The department also lists a 39 year-old 1,000 square foot facility in Gila Bend; and a two units that are more than 40 years old with a total space of just over 2,000 square feet in Wikieup, in northwest Arizona, all in need of being replaced.

Ducey is asking for $2 million for the construction of new trooper housing facilities. His request is part of a significantly larger $10.1 billion budget for the next fiscal year.

By Garry Boulard

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