Harris County approves additional $19M for public safety facilities improvements

Harris County Commissioners Court allocated an additional $19 million to the Harris County Sheriff's and Fire Marshal’s offices to support ongoing capital improvement projects across eight law enforcement facilities.

The May 14 vote increased funding from $100 million to $119.73 million for the projects, which aim to enhance resiliency and technology at facilities in the HCSO’s patrol districts, according to agenda documents.

Some context

Harris County voters approved a $100 million bond in 2022 to support improvements at public safety facilities, also known as Proposition A. In May 2024, Commissioners Court then allocated approximately $82.7 million in bond funds to HCSO’s proposed projects as well as $10 million for administrative costs and about $7.3 million for contingency—totaling $100 million—county documents show.

According to the Office of the County Engineer, bond-funded projects include:

• $15 million relocation and expansion of HCSO District 5 patrol station (location pending)
• $7.6 million HCSO District 6 new patrol substation
• $13.99 million Training Academy expansion
• $12.6 million new training facility for active shooter response
• $7 million new training facility for swift water rescue
• $15.2 million new precision driving course
• $3.24 million range improvements at the Academy Firearms Complex
• $8.06 million renovation and expansion of the Vehicle Crime Processing Facility

What’s new?

HCSO, in collaboration with the OCE, has overseen design, procurement and pre-construction phases of the projects since 2022, the documents show. All of the projects are in early planning and design stages, per the OCE’s website.

The additional funding will help ensure the facilities meet updated safety codes and ensure operational resilience with enhancements such as generators, security infrastructure, structural remediation and other improvements.

“To the men and women of the [HCSO] who go out there 24/7, 365 and give it their all—and unfortunately sometimes their lives—to protect and serve the citizens of this county, congratulations on these well-deserved facilities that will continue to make the Harris County Sheriff’s Office the pride of Texas,” said Mike Lee, HCSO director of special projects.

Looking forward

All projects are on track for construction by late 2026 and early 2027, with estimated completion slated for the second quarter of 2028, according to agenda documents.