Governor Ryan Breaks Ground for New District 13 Headquarters

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today joined Illinois State Police Director Sam W. Nolen and other state and local officials for an official groundbreaking ceremony of the new Illinois State Police (ISP) District 13 headquarters at DuQuoin.

"This new headquarters for District 13 will benefit law enforcement services in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, Washington, and Williamson Counties," said Governor Ryan. "It will also provide plenty of space for the Illinois State Police to combine all their services under one roof."

The proposed $5.6 million facility will occupy more than 33,160 square feet, housing patrol, investigations, communications, forensic crime scene investigations and administration functions. The state police currently operate from a 5,589 square foot headquarters built in 1935 in DuQuoin, and a 10,300 square foot Investigations headquarters located in Marion. Construction of the new facility will remedy the structural integrity and safety concerns that exist with the current building.

"A new District 13 headquarters will allow the Illinois State Police to fulfill its mission in Southern Illinois," said ISP Director Sam W. Nolen. "With the funding provided by Governor Ryan and the General Assembly, we can move ahead to provide even better public safety services to the people of Illinois. This state of the art facility will bring our people together, improve efficiency and communications, and allow us to do our work without the distractions that occur with an outdated building."