New Alpine courthouse approved by state

California approved $24.37 million to build a new Alpine County courthouse in Markleeville today.

The secure single-courtroom courthouse in 14,840 square feet structure would allow the Superior Court of Alpine County to move out of the historic courthouse built in 1928.

"A modern courthouse will more effectively serve this community for generations to come," said, Richard K. Specchio, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Alpine County. "We shall all miss the ambiance of the historic building; however, it is simply no longer feasible to continue court operations without adequate facilities, security or equipment. The new facility will operate efficiently and effectively and allow the residents of Alpine County to resolve disputes arising under the law in an accessible, just, and timely manner."

Plans for a new courthouse in Markleeville for the Superior Court of Alpine County received formal approval to begin, with funding authorization today by the State Public Works Board. This approval marks the official start of the courthouse construction project, which will be managed by the state Administrative Office of the Courts.

The court currently occupies about half of the historic courthouse, which is owned by the county and shared with the sheriff and probation department.

The proposed project would enable the court to greatly improve security and provide basic services currently not possible because of space limits, such as jury assembly and deliberation rooms, a self-help center, family court mediation, a children's waiting room, and attorney-client meeting rooms. The proposed project also includes surface parking for 45 staff, visitors, and jurors.

The project is funded by Senate Bill 1407, enacted by the state Legislature last year to provide up to $5 billion in funding for new and renovated court facilities using court user fees rather than the state's general fund.

This initial funding approval enables site selection and preliminary plans, which is the initial phase of architectural design.

The Markleeville courthouse project is estimated to create several hundred direct and indirect jobs as it progresses through design, construction, and completion, estimated in late 2015.

More information about the project: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/programs/occm/projects_markleeville.htm