The state's decision to fund the final phase of its Public Safety Training Center in Carroll County could help the town of Sykesville jump-start its effort to renovate the nearby Warfield Complex, town officials said yesterday.

The state Board of Public Works approved a $20 million contract Wednesday for construction of classrooms, dining areas and dormitories at the training center.

Located on Route 32, Warfield's 13 aging buildings adjoin the training center site and are likely to benefit from infrastructure improvements there. The town annexed the 96-acre property, once part of Springfield Hospital Center, three years ago with plans to create a business and academic center. When it is completed, Warfield is expected to bring up to 1,200 jobs to Carroll County

"Our whole plan for developing Warfield has been to piggyback off the state's infrastructure, particularly the water, sewer and high-speed technology lines, " said Mayor Jonathan S. Herman. "That this is all getting started is definitely a benefit to us, but in what capacity exactly, we will have to wait and see."

The state will reuse two of the Warfield buildings, known as Hubner and T, for the academic and administrative component of the $55 million training center.

The state contract, awarded to Roy Kirby & Sons Inc. of Baltimore, will transform Hubner and T into dormitories and classrooms. A 37,000-square-foot building that will connect the two existing ones and house a cafeteria and classrooms will be constructed. Up to 500 officers a week will train at the center.

This project is the third and final phase at the center, where a drivers training course and a firearms range are in operation.

Renovation and construction will begin about July 1 and should be completed by fall next year, state officials said.

With state and county grants, the town is conducting an engineering study that will determine how to connect Warfield's infrastructure to the state's new lines. Sykesville also is using state money to design an entrance into the complex from Route 32.

"All the infrastructure to service the training center will go through Warfield," said Matthew H. Candland, town manger. "Awarding this contract is an asset to the whole Warfield project, and it is particularly impressive given this economic climate."