Senate unanimously approves bill to consolidate, relocate CHP headquarters

Wolk bill authorizing CHP to make cost-effective move to Yolo County moves to Governor

SACRAMENTO–The State Senate voted unanimously today to approve legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to allow the California Highway Patrol to move its headquarters and four administrative offices to a more cost-efficient location in Yolo County. This is Wolk’s first bill of the current legislative session to be sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“The California Highway Patrol has been unable to expand at its current site within Sacramento ’s city limits due to high property costs and the lack of space. This legislation helps the department with this problem by providing cost-efficient options,” said Wolk.  

Under current law, established in 1959 to keep CHP headquarters close to the state capitol, the CHP is unable to move its headquarters outside Sacramento ’s city limits. Assembly Bill 443 would allow the CHP, which is sponsoring the bill, to move its headquarters and other administrative offices to a location in the vicinity of Sacramento .

According to CHP Commissioner Mike Brown, the department would be unable to entirely consolidate its operations if forced to remain within the city limits. “The passage of this legislation is key to the CHP’s long-term effort to consolidate our operations. Assemblywoman’s Wolk bill will allow us to streamline to achieve the best possible value for the taxpayers, and help us better serve the public. Her outstanding efforts are much appreciated.” 

In 2005, a study conducted by the Department of General Services’ Real Estate Services Division identified that the most cost-effective option for consolidation would be to relocate the CHP Headquarters to a facility in West Sacramento . The proposed site is adjacent to the current location of the CHP Academy , a portion of the CHP's administrative offices, warehouse, and fleet operations.  Consolidation near these existing facilities will result in enhanced efficiencies, cost savings, and improves coordination and response during emergencies.