Letter to the Editor: Why not Rangely for a justice center?

Dear Editor:
The Town of Rangely has been encouraged to comment on the new justice center as the cost and location is something that affects all Rio Blanco County residents and especially each law enforcement agency in the county.
There has been a good deal of debate over the location and cost of this new facility as well as a good deal of evaluation on what the future needs of the county would be in this particular area.
Overall, the cost of modernizing and reconstructing the old grade school in Meeker, which is in need of updating for many reasons, including government compliance, safety of sheriff’s personnel, safety of prisoners and separation of male and female inmates would seem less efficient and not provide for the most appropriate location for a future thriving downtown area.
This option, while saving a projected $1 million would still modify an old structure not intended for this purpose and requiring extensive upgrades to satisfy government regulations and modern requirements for safety and communication.
The citizens of Rangely would like to put forward a proposal for the new justice center to be located on the west end of Rangely. We currently have a newer 29,000 square foot facility for sale. Data communication wiring and modern building code requirements are already factored into the construction of this building. It is our contention that the cost of rehabbing this location and making it a suitable facility for the county’s new justice center would save millions for the citizens of Rio Blanco County and make use of an underutilized modern building that could be ideal for law enforcement purposes.
The facility boasts a large parking area that could also accommodate the possibility of a helicopter landing site should that ever be required. This well-landscaped facility already has a connected gymnasium, kitchen facilities and access on both the north and south side of the building from established parking areas.
The total site is approximately 6.5 acres and has excellent potential for housing dispatch communications, establishing solid security, providing ease of access and built on a single level throughout, which improves the mobility of staff and prisoner processing.
Overall, we believe this single facility, Rangely’s stable economy and affordable housing for employees makes Rangely the right place for Rio Blanco’s new justice center.
Frank Huitt
Mayor
Rangely