Kentucky

Even in the face of concerns over the budget, courthouse construction, bonding of the construction companies, and family hiring, the courthouses keep on coming.  Here is an AOC press release on breaking ground in Whitley County:

The Kentucky General Assembly authorized the Whitley County project in 2006 and approved its funding in 2008. The total project cost is $18.9 million. The building will be approximately 58,728 square feet and is expected to be completed in 2011.

?I am excited to be involved with the Whitley County Judicial Center project, which will bring a modern facility to downtown Williamsburg and benefit generations to come,? Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. said. ?The design of the judicial center will help revitalize Williamsburg, improve our ability to effectively process legal matters and offer a high level of security.?

New judicial centers often replace older, inadequate facilities, greatly increasing the efficiency of services and public flow. All new judicial centers are equipped with the modern infrastructure to support data, computer, video and networking technology. The facilities also provide the highest level of Kentucky court security through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel.

Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said that he appreciates the legislators and county officials who have supported this project for Whitley County.

?Kentucky citizens generate more than 1 million court cases each year,? Chief Justice Minton said. ?Our citizens deserve safe, efficient facilities in which to conduct their business before the courts.?

Murphy + Graves architectural firm of Lexington designed the Whitley County Judicial Center. Codell Construction of Winchester is the construction manager for the project and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, which serves Kentucky and six other states, is the financial agent.

Chief Justice Minton and Judge-Executive White will be among the speakers at the ceremony. Other state and local officials expected to attend include judges, attorneys and the Whitley County circuit court clerk. For more information, contact Judge-Executive White at 606-549-6004.