110th Congress Congressman McCarthy Praises Judicial Conference Approval of Bakersfield Courthouse
Press Release
110th Congress Congressman McCarthy Praises Judicial Conference Approval of Bakersfield Courthouse
WASHINGTON - Today, after four months of analysis by the Judicial Conference of the , the Bakersfield federal courthouse project received final approval from the judicial branch, which enables the planning phases to move forward. In response, Congressman McCarthy issued the following statement:
"I commend the Judicial Conference for recognizing our strong local need for a courthouse. Our voices were heard, and today's decision represents a long-awaited win for Bakersfield . With approval, we are given the opportunity to finally get a federal courthouse building downtown.
"Momentum is in our favor, and now the City must come together and work with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to ensure the Bakersfield Courthouse becomes a reality. I will continue to monitor progress and demand the accountability Central Valley residents deserve."
In May 2007, Congressman McCarthy asked local leaders and residents to provide letters of support for the Courthouse. Congressman McCarthy then sent those letters along with his own letter of support to relevant Judicial Conference committees. Earlier this year, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals conducted and approved the required budget analysis supporting the need for a new courthouse in Bakersfield . The Bakersfield Courthouse then received approval from the Judicial Conference today.
With today's approval by the Judicial Conference, the Central Park location for the Federal Courthouse will now move into site planning and later, the construction phase. The Ninth Circuit and the GSA will coordinate with the City of Bakersfield on the Central Park location. Following finalization of the downtown site, GSA will begin to solicit bids for construction of the courthouse that meet the requirements under the current law.
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