Cedar Rapids' New Federal Courthouse Gets Elevated Priority

Looking down 2nd Ave towards the Federal Court House and May's Island after the flood in downtown Cedar Rapids on Sunday, June 15, 2008. (Steve Gravelle/The Gazette)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jul 14, 2008 at 2:55 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 14, 2008 at 2:55 PM CST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Courts Executive Committee unanimously agreed to give the Cedar Rapids Courthouse elevated priority for construction. Harkin worked with city and federal officials to prioritize the building of a new courthouse after the current structure was significantly damaged by recent floods.

Harkin plans to seek the full funding necessary to construct the courthouse in a supplemental appropriations package that will be acted on next week. Construction estimates are projected at more than $140 million.

Cedar Rapids’ current courthouse was built in 1931, and since 1989, the courthouse has been found to have insufficient space and security to serve the needs of the court and its related agencies. Land has already been acquired for the construction of a new courthouse. Construction on the new courthouse could begin early next year.

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