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.
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📌 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
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November 05, 2025