The bill to transfer ownership of the former Ypsilanti post of the Michigan State Police to Ypsilanti Township for $1 dollar, unanimously passed the Michigan House of Representatives Tuesday and is now on its way to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk for his signature.
The plan to sell the Michigan State Police post is moving forward after the state House of Representatives voted in favor of it.
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The township contracts for its police services with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, and officials have said the building purchase would allow the sheriff's department to move its operations from the Township Hall to the 8,769 square-foot building on Whittaker Road.
The Michigan Senate passed the bill unanimously in September with 38 yes votes and the Michigan House of Representatives passed it unanimously with 105 yes votes on Tuesday.
State Sen. Rebekah Warren who introduced the bill in May, said she is hopeful the governor will sign the legislation.
"I feel positive," Warren said. "I don’t anticipate any problems as the two state agencies that had been involved have been supportive through the whole process."
Under the Michigan Constitution, the governor has 10 days to respond to the bill once it lands on his desk.
Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget worked to decide whether to sell the property at fair market value or sell it for a $1 due to the deed restriction in place on the property.
The deed restriction prevents the building from being used for a residential or mixed purpose facility. It can only be used for public services. When a property is in a state of disrepair or has a deed restriction, the state can convey it for $1.
The post — which sits on 3.7 acres — would eventually house about 45 county deputies and supervisors.
"There will be some modifications to the interior and we are working on the cost estimates, now that we know the legislation has been approved," Township supervisor Brenda Stumbo said. "Getting this builidng for $1 is a great Christmas present for all."
Warren said the space will allow the township and deputies the opportunity to expand their services to include training deputies.
The State Police moved out of the post last October to save money. Troopers are now based out of the Brighton post, though there are detachments in Sylvan Township and Saline.
Stumbo said it was disappointing when the township initially learned the state police post was closing, but the board and sheriff's department worked to to see what they could do to utilize the facility for police operations.
Stumbo said the passage of the legislation is a major accomplishment.
"This builidng will provide more space, the location makes it accessible with a faster response time to all areas of the community," Stumbo said. "It will also provide opportunites for future collaboration and once the building is operational the state police may consider assigning troopers and motor carriers to the police post."
Warren, who has stayed in contact with township officials, praised the township's vision for the property.
"The building has been vacant for a year and a half and it's really the gateway of Ypsilanti Township," she said. "For them, they would like it to be in top shape."
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.