Morris Leader

Morris County has initiated the construction of a new multipurpose facility at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy. This development aims to enhance space for the Office of Public Health and provide garage and storage areas for key emergency response vehicles, personal protection gear, and life-saving equipment.

The project is situated off West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. It is funded through federal American Rescue Plan Act allocations designated for upgrading Morris County's public health facilities and bolstering the county's capacity to respond to public emergencies. The storage area will accommodate vehicles and equipment from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Law and Public Safety, including assets from the Office of Public Health and Office of Emergency Management.

The facility will span approximately 65,540 square feet with an estimated cost of $18 million. It aims to improve operational space by providing meeting rooms and storage facilities for the Office of Public Health while expanding capabilities to house essential response vehicles. Additionally, it will centralize locations for emergency equipment. Currently, the Office of Public Health operates out of a former armory building nearby on West Hanover Avenue, which is slated for future upgrades and repurposing.

Site preparation commenced last week with construction expected to follow shortly.