Fortis Construction Inc. has started work on the new Oregon State Police crime lab in Pendleton.

LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) Construction has begun on the new Oregon State Police crime lab in Pendleton.

The Observer reports Fortis Construction Inc. has started work on the foundation of the nearly $1.25 million project.

The city issued a building permit for the 9,500-sq.-ft. (880-sq-m) facility in August.

The state Forensic Services Division operates labs in Bend, Central Point, Pendleton, Portland and Springfield. State Police started planning for a new facility in Pendleton in 2014, but the project faced pushback in the state Legislature over budget concerns.

State Sen. Bill Hansell said State Police did not want to lose a lab in Pendleton, and area lawmakers and prosecutors fought for the lab to stay in the city.

For more information, visit lagrandeobserver.com/.

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