The city of Sugar Land received $1 million in funding Tuesday for an expanded first responder training facility.

U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher secured the federal dollars through a process that allows members of Congress to request money for projects in their districts. The federal money will be combined with funding from a bond approved by voters in 2019.

"I think it’s really important that members of Congress who know their districts best, and know their communities best and community needs can continue to work in this way," Fletcher said during a press conference Tuesday.

Currently, the complex includes an interim gun range and a facility for firefighters. Sugar Land's city council approved an $8 million contract for the second phase of construction late last year.

"This project is really going to help take the Sugar Land Police Department to the next level," Police Chief Mark Poland said during Tuesday's press conference.

The expanded complex will include a driving pad and simulation training and accommodate intensive firefighting courses.

The bond money and federal funding will help build offices and storage space, install electricity and lighting, and fund specialized training areas for first responders.

On Tuesday, Sugar Land Fire and EMS Chief Doug Boeker thanked the city council and Representative Fletcher for their support for the new facility.

"Public safety is the job of (the) government," he said. "And at the local government side, the most important thing we can do to provide for the safety of our citizens is to ensure that we have a well-trained responder force."

The facility is located near the Sugar Land Airport. The second phase of construction is expected to be completed by early next year.

View this article on Houston Public Media.