Governor Announces Funding for New Pope County Sheriff's Office

GOLCONDA, IL - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the release of state funds to assist the Pope County Sheriff's Office with the purchase of a new headquarters facility.  The new office at 216 E. Decatur Street in Golconda will replace the current headquarters, which is in poor condition with buckling floors, a leaky roof and a basement that floods.  Funds will also be used to construct a new communications tower.

"We need to ensure that the law enforcement officers protecting the people of Illinois themselves have a safe and secure environment to work in," Governor Blagojevich said.  "These funds will improve the working conditions for the police officers and enhance the communications technology which is so critical to the safety of the residents of Pope County receiving police and fire rescue services."

Pope County will use the funds to purchase the building, which is expected to contain an evidence room, temporary holding room, deputy's office, dispatch room, Sheriff's office, restrooms, and lobby. 

The governor announced that he is releasing a $100,000 grant for the project.  Other sources of funding will be used to make renovations to the new building. Former state senator Larry Woolard worked to secure the funding.

 "The new sheriff's office is a much needed project and something that the people of Pope County deserve," said Woolard.  "The new facility will not only meet the needs of law enforcement, it will be a safe environment for those who visit and do business there."

"We continue to analyze the hundreds of special project grants that my administration froze during my first weeks in office focusing on ones that promote education, health care, public safety and economic development," the Governor added.