Will County, City of Joliet agree to financing package for new courthouse, construction slated for 2017
City will contribute $12.3 million over 20 years for $150 million downtown courthouse
JOLIET, IL- Will County and the City of Joliet today announced a financial deal to help build a new courthouse in downtown Joliet. A new courthouse is estimated to cost $150 million, and Joliet has agreed to pay $10 million over 20 years beginning in 2017 and waive $2.3 million in building fees. Construction could begin as soon as spring of 2017.
"We are pleased to announce this partnership with the City of Joliet to keep this critical public safety project moving in the right direction," said County Board Speaker Jim Moustis. "The county needs a new courthouse, and we will build a new courthouse that won't require us to raise taxes or overburden our residents. We have an aggressive timeline for completion, but I believe reaching this agreement makes it more feasible than ever."
The current courthouse was built in 1969 when the county's population was 250,000; today the county has nearly 700,000 residents. Its 23 courtrooms lack the necessary space and security and do not meet the minimum standards for safety and security as set by the Illinois Supreme Court. Will County has 35 judges, with one vacancy, who handle 80,000 cases annually.
"We are pleased to announce this partnership with the City of Joliet to keep this critical public safety project moving in the right direction," said County Board Speaker Jim Moustis. "The county needs a new courthouse, and we will build a new courthouse that won't require us to raise taxes or overburden our residents. We have an aggressive timeline for completion, but I believe reaching this agreement makes it more feasible than ever."
The current courthouse was built in 1969 when the county's population was 250,000; today the county has nearly 700,000 residents. Its 23 courtrooms lack the necessary space and security and do not meet the minimum standards for safety and security as set by the Illinois Supreme Court. Will County has 35 judges, with one vacancy, who handle 80,000 cases annually.
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