Harking Announces Cedar Rapids Courthouse Receives Priority Status

Posted: July 15, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced Monday 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.

"I am very pleased with today's decision that will clear the way for a new federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids," said Harkin. "As the city begins to recover and rebuild, a new courthouse will be a key part to the rebirth of Cedar Rapids' downtown area. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations committee to make this project a reality for our state."

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, 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.