Nez Perce County commissioners have voted unanimously to move forward with a commitment to finance construction of a new county courthouse.
The Lewiston Tribune reports commissioners approved a resolution to issue certificates of participation — similar to bonds — for $45 million to be paid over 30 years. Annual repayment of the loan would be $2.85 million, or a total of about $86 million by the end of the loan term.
With the prospect that interest rates and inflation could rise in the future, the commission decided now is the time to move on the project.
Officials say the current century-old courthouse is outdated, dysfunctional, a safety liability and lacks security when people are moved back and forth from the courtrooms. Additionally, structural problems of the current courthouse, include leaky water pipes and electrical malfunctions. It also fails to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act in terms of access.
The plan is to build a new courthouse and a separate vehicle license building on the site where the current courthouse sits. The work will be done in phases and space will be tight.
A definitive start date has not been set but the commissioners have said they hope to break ground late this year or early next year. (Lewiston Tribune)
