[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today stood alongside a group of state and local officials, emergency management leaders, and community partners to break ground on the new State Emergency Operations Center in Blaine. The $41 million project, funded through the 2020 and 2023 capital investment bills, will strengthen Minnesota’s ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Photos from the event are attached and linked here .

"In times of crisis, one of the best resources we have to protect Minnesotans is our dedicated team of emergency managers who coordinate with local, county, and federal partners," said Governor Walz. “The new State Emergency Operations Center will be the hub for state agencies and their partners to come together and prepare for and handle any emergencies that come our way. This is an investment in the safety of every community across the state.”

The State Emergency Operations Center is the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) division’s central command and control facility for supporting communities experiencing disasters and other emergency management incidents.

“When disasters strike and local resources are overwhelmed or exhausted, we're called into action and in to help. We get boots on the ground, resources on the way and tap into funds to help communities get back on their feet. But to do that, our staff needs space to work and reliable communications networks and power sources that can stand up to these disasters, said HSEM Director Kristi Rollwagen. “This new facility gives us what we need to keep Minnesotans safe — not only on their worst days but for the long haul.”

The new 37,000-square-foot facility will sit on 20 acres in Blaine and replace the current inadequate operations center in St. Paul. The new building will offer clear sight lines and include critical safety and modernization updates, including:

• Geothermal heating/cooling and solar panels for electricity.
• The ability to withstand an EF3 tornado.
• Protection from lightning and power surges.
• The capability to house and feed emergency staff.

The center will also contain HSEM’s offices, where staff carry out their daily functions and duties. These new features ensure the new SEOC is modern, secure, sustainable, and flexible, increasing Minnesota’s ability to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. The building is expected to be staffed and operational by spring 2025.