ANNAPOLIS – Governor Wes Moore on Tuesday joined the Maryland Department of State Police and Maryland Department of General Services for the groundbreaking at the new Maryland State Police tactical services administration building in Jessup. The new facility will help make Maryland safer through enhanced capacity to support specialized emergency and first responders from across the state, a statement from his office said.

"Our officers and public safety leaders are the first ones on the scene and the last ones to leave. And today, we take an important step toward ensuring they have the resources and training they need to respond immediately, whenever crisis strikes," said Gov. Moore. "This new building will keep Maryland prepared, keep Maryland alert, and keep Maryland safe."

The $12.1 million project is part of a complex that houses various offices including the Maryland State Police Waterloo Barrack, special operations, administrative and procurement support, and fleet maintenance and outfitting. The new 22,000 square foot facility will be home to units for the Maryland State Police and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, including K-9 Units, the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad and the Underwater Recovery Team.

The facility will also serve as a statewide emergency operations center for first responders.

“With 21st century enhancements, this facility is a giant step forward for Maryland,” said Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. “As an emergency operations center for Maryland’s first responders and a centralized location for Maryland State Police specialized units and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the tactical services administration building is a critical asset to our state’s emergency management and preparedness.”

“As the lead agency for state building construction, our department strives to deliver top quality facilities for the residents and visitors of Maryland,” said Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry. “We are excited to administer design and construction services for the Maryland State Police to provide a centrally located tactical building that will better serve the needs of the surrounding communities and the state.”