Dush, Borowicz Announce $500,000 in Additional Funding for New Lock Haven Police Station

HARRISBURG – Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) announced earlier this week that the City of Lock Haven has been awarded approximately $500,000 to build a new police station.

“As a former law enforcement officer and retired corrections officer, I could not be more pleased to play a role in securing this highly competitive funding that will be exclusively dedicated to building a state-of-the-art, crime fighting facility,” said Dush. “Members of the Lock Haven City police force have consistently told us what they need to proudly carry the badge, patrol our streets and keep our communities and our loved ones safe from harm. Bringing home this additional $500,000 sends the undeniable message that we the citizens who benefit most from their non-stop protection and service are fully committed to supporting all of our outstanding men and women in blue.”

The funding—from Local Share Account (LSA) grants distributed by the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA)—will be used to construct a one-story 5,924-square-foot police station. Located on East Church Street, the new facility will feature significantly expanded office space, locker rooms/restrooms, evidence lockers, new IT equipment and a secure police garage/access point.

“I’m always in favor of funding our law enforcement to the fullest extent and their efforts to serve and protect our communities,” said Borowicz. “I am thrilled to see Lock Haven receive this funding for the police station.”

The Lock Haven City Police Department provides 24-hour police protection and employs 12 uniformed police officers and four non-uniformed police personnel, under the direction of Chief Matthew Rickard. The Lock Haven City Police Department is an active participant in mutual aid agreements with several municipalities in the region.

Current personnel—especially female staff members—have indicated the police station’s restroom and changing facilities—presently located in City Hall—are not equitable, and not up to the standards of other local police departments.

According to Rickard, there is a hole in the patrol room’s floor that opens to the basement and the women’s locker room floods every time the shower is used in the men’s locker room. There is also no place to separate combative detainees, posing a health risk for officers and staff.

These major sticking points prevent many officers from fully committing to a long-term career. It also puts the Lock Haven City Police Department at a severe competitive disadvantage during recruitment.

Completion of this estimated $2.5 million police station will allow the department to operate more professionally, cost-efficiently and retain personnel longer, benefiting the community through more stable crime management.

Act 71 of 2004 provides for the distribution of LSA gaming revenues through the CFA to support projects of public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.