DULUTH, MN (KDAL) - Duluth Mayor Don Ness, Police Chief Gordon Ramsay, St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson and Under Sheriff Dave Phillips officially opened the new Public Safety Building on Wednesday that will house the Duluth Police headquarters and connects to the current St. Louis County Public Safety Building.The police headquarters in Duluth City Hall proved inadequate over the years as the police force evolved to need additional space to store and process evidence and records, interview suspects, meet with victims, and have adequate space for staff. In 2009, the City Council approved a $17 million bond for the new police facility. The construction started in fall of 2010 and is now ready for occupation in the upcoming weeks.    “We are grateful for the support of the community, the City Council, and St. Louis County. This facility serves as a great example of a successful city and county partnership. Not Only will we be able to work more efficiently and effectively with our new tools but it will strengthen our community relationships and partnerships. We remain committed to providing the best quality services and look forward to doing so with a newfound sense of pride,” said Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.   The City of Duluth and St. Louis County looked to co-locate the new police headquarters to provide efficiency through shared spaces rather than duplicating spaces. The new building is linked to the county’s building at two locations. The existing building was constructed in 2007 and houses 911 administration, the call center and the Sheriff’s office and support space, including the adjacent “Tech Garage” housing County radio installation and repair functions. The facility has critical shared space for such things as a lobby area, training & conferences, a community meeting room, turnout, interview & break rooms, fitness center, records, sally port, evidence and processing.