The planned 100,000-square-foot facility will serve as a state-of-the-art hub for law enforcement operations in the county.

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY)-Pender County leaders and members of the Pender County Sheriff's Office participated in a groundbreaking Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony was at 1417 Old Savannah Road in Burgaw.

The planned 100,000-square-foot facility will serve as a state-of-the-art hub for law enforcement operations in the county. The new building will house a sheriff's office, a 911 operations center, evidence storage facility, as well as supporting infrastructure like parking, driveways, a communications, tower, on-site utilities, and stormwater management systems. The new building will also expand its detention center from 80 beds to 232.

Sheriff Alan Cutler says room for inmates was getting to capacity and had to house them outside the county. He says a bigger detention center will help the sheriff's office save money.

"We house inmates out of the county at this point. That costs money as well to do that. So, it's going to save money with out-of-county housing. It's also going to save money with the maintenance upkeep of the old building," Cutler said.

Officials say this represents a significant investment in public safety. The new building is anticipated to be complete by fall 2026.