The town of Vinton is in the midst of constructing a “fancy carport” to protect its “investments,” Mayor Kenny Stinson said.

The $125,000 carport is being built on the east side of the Vinton Police Department with funding from the department’s budget.

“It is going to match the existing building with the same lines and same kind of roofing material,” Stinson said. “It will have lighting and electrical outlets under it so that officers can vacuum their units or do anything they may need to do that they would need an electrical outlet for.”

The carport will have spaces for five units, Stinson said.

The department has six vehicles, which includes the police chief’s car.

Stinson said the station has been in need of a carport for “a really long time,” and all units will be able to use the space because at least one is always out on patrol.

“We needed to do this because police units cost quite a bit of money and they are sitting out in the elements. We need something to protect our investments,” he said. “On a couple of our units we have had trouble with the radars because the plastic casing has actually melted because it gets so hot.”

Stinson said the goal with the carport is not only to protect the town’s police vehicles but to construct something that “looks nice and is aesthetically appealing.”

He said the construction of the carport will also help keep water from getting into the building when it rains.

Construction began a few weeks ago, Stinson said. With delays from weather, it’s expected to be completed within the next 60 days.

(American Press)

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