What happened to police training center plans for ex-Weyerhaeuser campus?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Review in 2024 found Federal Way site not feasible for consideration.
- WSCJTC rep says upgrades to Burien range and dorms remain.
- Commission expanded regional academies and uses simulation to meet training demand.
A proposal for Weyerhaeuser’s former headquarters in Federal Way to serve in some capacity for law-enforcement training has not come to fruition.
That’s according to an official representing the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission in response to questions this month from The News Tribune.
The News Tribune reached out to the state commission following a reader’s inquiry emailed March 11 as to what happened to the proposed project.
In May 2024, The News Tribune reported on a proposal for the state to explore options for WSCJTC’s campus in Burien, which has served as the primary site for training in law enforcement, corrections, public safety and the criminal-justice fields.
That included consideration of relocating to what’s now known as Woodbridge Corporate Park in Federal Way. LA-based Industrial Realty Group rebranded the 425-acre site after acquiring it in 2016.
Coby Holley is executive vice president, real estate for IRG. He told The News Tribune via email in response to questions this month that “unfortunately there has been no progress or updates with the WSCJTC recently.”
David Quinlan is communication manager for WSCJTC. In an emailed response to questions March 11, Quinlan wrote, “While a new facility remains a long-term consideration, it is not currently being pursued.”
He acknowledged that the main Burien campus still needed upgrades, “including improvements to the firing range and expansion of dormitory space.”
He further explained, “Following an in-depth feasibility review in 2024, the former Weyerhaeuser property in Federal Way was determined to be neither feasible nor cost-effective for WSCJTC’s training needs.”
He added, “A new WSCJTC training facility or headquarters relocation is also not included in the current state budget, and there are no plans to move forward with that proposal at this time.”
Four regional academies (Vancouver, Arlington, Pasco, Spokane) now are operational to expand training capacity statewide.
“These academies have helped meet demand for basic law enforcement training and eliminated wait times for recruits entering them,” Quinlan wrote. “In addition, the use of technology — including simulation and virtual reality training — allows the commission to deliver certain training without requiring additional physical space.”
