I live in a small rural county in Wisconsin with approximately 23,000 full time residents. In the summertime, due to our many lakes, forests and streams, the tourists increase that number to around 45,000.
Discretely stored in one of our counties buildings sits a “new”, surplus MRAP “bomb proof” vehicle, received free of charge. The only thing missing on that vehicle is the roof mounted weaponry. What the hell does this county need such a vehicle for? Basically, we are an economically depressed county with barely enough tax payer money to meet the daily demands to operate. Certainly, we do NOT have funding to spend on modifying and/or upgrading such a vehicle. Yet, it remains stored away from the public view.
Can ANYONE tell me why such equipment is given to counties such as ours? We sure as hell do not need another “parade” vehicle.
Short answer: that equipment is being staged there for use elsewhere, to keep it under the radar and to help spread out the maintenance costs.