BCA seeks major bonding for Bemidji lab expansion to handle DNA, digital evidence demand

Bob Jacobson, commissioner of public safety, and Drew Evans, superintendent with the BCA, presented the department’s 2026 capital request and described a plan to expand the Bemidji laboratory and regional capabilities.

Evans said the existing Bemidji lab is roughly 26,000 square feet and has grown from an original staff of about 20 to more than 44, with projections above 50; the proposed addition of about 27,000 square feet would produce a roughly 53,000-square-foot northern regional lab comparable to the Mankato facility. He described cramped current conditions — DNA analysts working in cubicles, a digital-evidence operation “in a closet,” and only a single conference room — and said turnaround demand has increased fivefold over 20 years.

The presentation listed a governor’s bonding recommendation of about $48.8 million for the project with approximately $3.65 million intended for design; Evans said construction funds would follow design. He described programmatic needs including expanded DNA analysis capacity, a digital evidence lab, rapid-DNA capabilities and space for the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) and evidence storage to meet accreditation and staffing needs.

Committee members asked whether the BCA worked with federal law enforcement on DNA and data; Evans said the BCA performs analysis for federal partners and regularly collaborates on investigations. Members also asked about B3 energy-design requirements; Evans said the design process will meet required standards and the agency will report estimated cost implications when designs are available.

No formal vote or motion was recorded on the capital request during this hearing.