Virginia courthouse may be funded by USDA

2/9/2012

Following a December 2011 approval by the Westmoreland, County, Virginia board of supervisors, the city has now begun the bidding process for the construction of a new judicial complex, the Journal Press reports.

The building would be funded primarily by a USDA loan through the agency's Rural Development program for more than $9 million. Norm Risavi, the Westmoreland board's county administrator, recently filed an application for the loan.

The new building will be two stories and sit immediately adjacent to the George D. English building, which currently houses both the courts and county government department. Once the new complex is completed, the sheriff's office, emergency dispatch center and all other court staff and resources will be allocated there.

According to Risavi, there is no shortage of bidders for the project.

"Various public projects around the Commonwealth are attracting significantly more bidders than the pre-recession time period," he told the news source. He added that at least 15 construction firms have already expressed interest in bidding.

However, not everyone is excited about the project. A Facebook group called "We protest a $13 million courthouse in Westmoreland County, Virginia" has been created, claiming that there are better uses for the county's funds.