Report: BP, Wood River agree on new police station

WOOD RIVER, Ill. - A southwestern Illinois city may be getting a new $7.8-million, 20,000-square-foot police station, courtesy of oil company BP.

The (Alton) Telegraph reports that Wood River and BP have reached a preliminary deal for building the new department site on BP-owned land.

Wood River's governing council is expected to vote on the agreement at their Aug. 18 meeting.

Mayor Fred Ufert says the proposed deal culminates roughly eight years of talks.

The new police station would replace one that's 38 years old and 2,500 square feet, with the department now spread out among three locations.

Police Chief Otis Steward calls the prospects of a new police station "very exciting."

City Manager Jim Schneider says construction could begin next spring if all goes as planned.