LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga recently joined a bipartisan effort in the Legislature to sell the former Michigan State Police post in Rockford.

“After MSP moved its operations to another site, this building has sat vacant and required taxpayer-funded upkeep because it is owned by the state,” said Huizenga, R-Walker, who introduced legislation to authorize the sale of the site in the Senate. “I have been trying to get this passed for years, and I happily voted to eliminate this financial burden on Michigan residents.”

Because the state owns the building, upkeep and general maintenance of the 0.59-acre property fell on the shoulders of taxpayers, and the state can’t sell or transfer it without legislative approval.

House Bill 4724 outlines the methods by which the former MSP property could be sold or transferred and allows multiple avenues for redevelopment, including long-term commitments to public use.

“It’s a tremendous relief that we’re finally getting this done, and I hope the governor quickly signs this into law,” Huizenga said. “This legislation not only removes this taxpayer expense, but it also breathes new life into this site and opens up opportunities for new development.”

The city of Rockford has expressed interest in purchasing the property to build more affordable housing, something Huizenga supported and said is much needed.

“I think this would be an incredible use of this currently abandoned property and would welcome more families to call West Michigan home,” Huizenga said.

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