Walz breaks ground on $67M Mankato BCA lab
Gov. Tim Walz and state public-safety leaders broke ground Monday on a $67 million Bureau of Criminal Apprehension regional office and forensic lab at 2350 Bassett Drive in Mankato. The 56,000‑square‑foot facility, slated to open in early 2027 with about 50 staff, will handle up to 6,000 cases and 12,000 evidence items per year, expand DNA/firearms/drug testing and training, and is expected to ease caseload pressure on the St. Paul BCA lab that serves the Twin Cities.
📌 Key Facts
- Cost/size: $67 million; 56,000 sq ft
- Capacity: Up to 6,000 cases and 12,000 evidence items annually
- Timeline: Construction complete early 2027; move‑in planned March 2027
- Workforce: About 50 agents, forensic scientists and support staff
- Location: 2350 Bassett Drive, Mankato, next to Blue Earth County Justice Center
- Impact: Expected to relieve workload at St. Paul BCA lab and speed evidence processing