A bond would fund compliance with state mandate that a courthouse be located in Newport.
STATE HOUSE – Representative Ken Fredette of Newport today proposed an Amendment to the Governor’s Supplemental Budget that includes a $4 million dollar bond to build a new courthouse in Newport. Rep. Fredette presented his amendment during a meeting of the Appropriations Committee, a committee he serves on.
“State law requires that a courthouse be located in Newport to ensure rural access to justice,” said Rep. Fredette. “The temporary closure of the Maine Judicial Branch underscores its importance to our area and the impact it is having on access to the judicial branch. A recent news headline read: Newport court clerk is retiring early because her courthouse has been closed for over a year.
“To solve this problem, I have presented a long-term solution in the form of a $4 million dollar bond. In addition, LD 1997 provides another avenue to provide funding for the Courthouse and the Legislature needs to pass that out of the Appropriations Committee and onto the Governor for her signature. Failure of the Legislature to act on this before the April 15 Adjournment of the Legislature could delay a new courthouse in Newport for up to two years, so action is necessary now!” Said Rep. Fredette.”
Amendment Summary:
The amendment authorizes the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority to issue additional securities in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000 outstanding at any one time for costs associated with financing the design, construction, equipping and furnishing of a courthouse facility of approximately 5,000 square feet in the town of Newport, including site improvements. The amendment also provides an ongoing appropriation of $509,155 to the Judicial Department for the estimated increase in debt services costs.
Newport District Court:
The Newport District Court serves as the legal hub for divorces, protection orders, misdemeanor criminal actions, and other civil actions. Closure of the Newport District Court would likely mean transferring matters to the Bangor Judicial Center, threatening access to justice in the Southern Penobscot Region.
Fredette represents District 33 which includes Newport, Corinna, Plymouth, Etna and Dixmont.
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