State Police Lansing HQ move draws more criticism

By AP

LANSING, MI – The state's plan to move the Michigan State Police into a new downtown Lansing headquarters again is drawing criticism.

The agency is scheduled to move into the new $40 million building early next year. The move has drawn criticism since it was approved in 2007.

Some Republicans have stepped up criticism of the move in light of plans to lay off 100 state troopers this summer. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, seeking the GOP nomination for governor in 2010, led a press conference Tuesday saying the new building symbolizes misplaced priorities.

Lease payments could cost the state police about $3.7 million a year once they move into the new building. The agency pays $1 a year to rent its current headquarters, but that building needs renovations.