CBI forensic lab under construction in Pueblo West

Construction of a forensic laboratory in Pueblo West is getting started, with the $10.5 million building slated to be finished in August.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday at the site of the future CBI regional Pueblo office at 79 N. Silicon Drive.

CBI director Ron Sloan said, in the meantime, employees will continue working at the current facility on N. Elizabeth St. Sloan said the staff has outgrown the current, leased building, where they’ve been located for more than 30 years. He added that a new building was necessary to ascertain accreditation.

The new 18,150-square-foot building will also house crime scene response and the investigation and administrative office and staff for the southern region. When the investigative unit is fully staffed, 25 employees will work there.

“This is a great location for us to stage our services and to service all of the local agencies here in southern Colorado,” Sloan said.

Sen. Elect Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) sponsored HB14-1170 last year, which helped secure the funds for the construction.

JE Dunn Construction has already begun the excavation process.