The Public Works Department will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Aug. 31 to commemorate the completion of the brand new Public Works Facility at 917 E Grand Ave.

The $11.2 million, 23,000 square foot facility is a big step forward in modernizing the department and will increase productivity, efficiency and enhance the department’s ability to better take care of city parks, streets, sidewalks, trees, signals, sewers and storm drains. The new building will bring the majority of the Public Works divisions together under one roof, housing Administration, Fleet Maintenance, Engineering and Field Operations.

The facility includes many upgraded features that will improve operations in the department, including a larger, up-to-date fleet maintenance shop, new fueling station, increased storage space, advanced security and space for large trash and green waste bins. In addition, the facility was built to high sustainability standards, reducing the department’s impact on the environment.

In addition, the facility’s completion clears the way for the long-awaited construction of the new Police Facility, which will take over the old Public Works site on Mission Road. Initial work is scheduled to begin on the new $27.6 million Police Department this fiscal year.

The ribbon cutting and open house will be from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at the new Public Works Facility, 917 E Grand Ave. It is free to attend and open to the public.