Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the planned Robertson County Judicial Center on Monday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place at 73 E. Walnut St. in Mount Olivet.

The Kentucky General Assembly authorized the Robertson County project in 2005 and approved its funding in 2006. The total project cost is $3.3 million. The building will be 9,300 square feet and is expected to be completed in April 2009.

?I appreciate the legislators who supported improved judicial centers for Robertson and other counties,? said Chief Justice of Kentucky Joseph E. Lambert. ?Kentucky citizens generate more than 1 million court cases each year. Our citizens deserve safe, efficient facilities in which to conduct their business before the courts.?

Because the new judicial centers often replace older, vastly inadequate facilities, the new buildings greatly increase the efficiency of services and public flow, said Garlan VanHook, executive officer of the Department of Facilities for the Administrative Office of the Courts.

?All new judicial centers are equipped with the modern infrastructure to support data, computer, video and networking technology,? he said. ?They also provide the highest level of Kentucky court security through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel.?

GRW Inc. of Lexington designed the Robertson County Judicial Center. Trace Creek Construction Inc. of Vanceburg is the general contractor for the project and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, which serves Kentucky and six other states, is the financial agent.

Chief Justice Lambert and Robertson County Judge Executive Billy ?Hammer? Allison will be among the speakers at the ceremony. Other state and local officials expected to attend include judges, attorneys and the Robertson County Circuit Court clerk. For more information, contact Judge Executive Allison at 606-724-5615.

Here is a picture of the Courthouse being replaced: