Umatilla breaks ground on new police station
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
UMATILLA – After years of planning and securing up funding, Umatilla broke ground on its new police station Tuesday.
A $19.8 million bond passed by voters in November will cover construction costs, with 93.5% of that funding coming from businesses in the Greater Umatilla Enterprise Zone.
The approximately 14,000-square-foot building is being constructed behind the current police station. Once the new facility is completed, the old building will be demolished to make room for parking.
The new space will feature dedicated rooms for officers to meet with victims and witnesses, a resource the current facility lacks. It will also include a public community room and the capacity to add dispatch services. Another feature will be a secure parking area allowing officers to transport suspects inside the building.
“There were several occasions where officers would finish the job inside, step out back, and family members would be there to confront them,” said Police Chief Ronald Bridge.
The new facility is expected to be completed in Spring 2027.
Members of the Umatilla Police Department at Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony
