Why is Broward county eyeing stimulus money for the new courthouse?
FORT LAUDERDALE – Federal economic stimulus aid could help pay for a new county courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Months of fine-tuning plans to replace the aging and problem-plagued main section of the courthouse have left the county still short $133 million of the $328 million needed. Officials are exploring the idea of tapping part of President Obama’s recovery package to cut interest costs on borrowing the needed cash. The possibility follows on the heels of the county securing its first major piece of stimulus money last month: $5.7 million to rebuild ramps at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. “I’m a believer that the stimulus package should do two things, provide needed public infrastructure and stimulate employment,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, a member of a task force that recently drafted courthouse plans for the County Commission. “This is a building that is out-dated and needs to be replaced, and the construction would create jobs.” Obama’s $
Broward County officials said they plan to request $6.5 million for law enforcement-related projects, including $3.5 million to build a corrections ward at Broward General Medical Center and $300,000 for a heliport for the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Everglades station. Other items on the county’s wish list: funds for counseling sexual assault victims, gang prevention, alternatives to juvenile detention, and enhancements for the Broward Sheriff’s Office crime lab. Law enforcement officials have another important reason for eyeing the federal stimulus dollars: hiring. Sources: http://www.policeone.
FORT LAUDERDALE – Federal economic stimulus aid could help pay for a new county courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Months of fine-tuning plans to replace the aging and problem-plagued main section of the courthouse have left the county still short $133 million of the $328 million needed. Officials are exploring the idea of tapping part of President Obama’s recovery package to cut interest costs on borrowing the needed cash. The possibility follows on the heels of the county securing its first major piece of stimulus money last month: $5.7 million to rebuild ramps at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Sources: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/sfl-courthouse-stimulus-aid-071009,0,4110636.
