For a little over 20 years, Martin County has been dealing with with an outdated jail building and limited courthouse space.

On Wednesday, state Rep. Bob Gunther, R-Fairmont, and members of the Minnesota House of Representatives Capital Investment Committee were able to see the problems firsthand, as part of a tour of southwestern Minnesota.

Martin County is asking the state for $20 million in 2020 to help with construction of a new justice center. Sheriff Jeff Markquart, Chief Deputy Corey Klanderud and county commissioners led a tour of the jail and courthouse for the committee.

Capital Investment Committee Chair Mary Murphy commented on the tour and the request.

Rep. Murphy said public safety is a high priority for the committee.

The tour also stopped at the Martin County Veterans Memorial on Winnebago Avenue in Fairmont.

The Martin Colunty Veterans Memorial Committee is seeking state bonding money to help with the cost of the project.