Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 3, 2003

Metro Board Committee approves plans to construct new Metro Transit Police Department substation

Today, the Metro Board of Directors’ Planning and Development Committee approved the plans connected with the construction of a new Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) Substation on the Fort Totten Metrorail station site. Plans include holding a public hearing on the General Plans and Environmental Evaluation for the proposed substation, releasing the draft Public Hearing Staff Report for public comment, and then initiating and awarding a competitive procurement for the proposed station, subject to Board approval of the final Public Hearing Staff Report and Recommendations. The proposed substation is designed to support 140 officers and accommodate the future growth needs of MTPD. A three-story 18,500 square-foot, slab-on-grade structure, the substation will feature meeting rooms to hold community meetings, a secure parking for 43 vehicles, an impound lot, detective offices, administrative offices, crime scene and evidence storage spaces, locker rooms, and a gym. In addition to supporting foot and motorized patrol officers, this facility will also include training, motorcycle operations, and bicycle functions. The proposed substation will have the convenience of being located near a Metrorail transfer station at Fort Totten, which serves the Red and Green lines, so that foot officers and scout cars will have quicker access to the rail system. Funding for the proposed station construction, approximately $5 million, is provided in the Board-approved fiscal years of 2003 to 2008 Infrastructure Renewal Program budget. "The new station will give the Metro Transit Police Department the adequate physical resources required to continue to provide effective policing in the 21st century," noted Chief of Police Polly Hanson. This substation will replace the current overcrowded substation at 900 Franklin Street, N.E.

News release issued on July 3, 2003.