El Dorado County receives loan to build 11-acre public safety complex

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County has received a $57.14 million loan to build a public safety complex in Diamond Springs that will bring together the Sheriff’s Office operations which are currently spread out across 13 different locations in the county.

The loan is provided through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program.

“We are proud to be a part of this investment in the future of El Dorado County,” said USDA Rural Development California Acting State Director Richard Brassfield. “Providing rural communities with the tools they need to thrive is at the heart of our mission at Rural Development, and a more efficient and effective public safety system is a critical component to that endeavor.”

The new public safety complex will replace many leased locations that are aging and unable to meet the Office’s needs. The separation of service locations has resulted in increased costs and inefficiencies.

The new public safety complex will be constructed in a campus setting on approximately 11-acres of a 30 acre site on Industrial Avenue between Forni Road and Missouri Flat Road. It will include administration and office space, a morgue, a training range, and storage for evidence, vehicles and special operations. There will be a solar farm and room for future expansion as needed.

“Having the Sheriff’s operations in one place rather than scattered throughout the County will encourage more communication and collaboration between units, leading to efficiencies of scale in the systems and services we provide to El Dorado County citizens, as well as providing a sorely needed update to buildings that were outdated when they were dedicated nearly 50 years ago,” said Laura Schwartz, El Dorado County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.

USDA’s loan has a 40 year term at 2.375 percent interest, and El Dorado County will also contribute $11 million to the project. The County anticipates beginning construction in spring 2018, with substantial completion of the project estimated for the fall of 2019.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca.