The Northampton County Facilities and Security (F&S) Committee is asking the Board of Commissioners to publicly endorse constructing a new courthouse complex and to request Congressman G.K. Butterfield to seek special appropriation for the project.

On Friday, a letter drafted by F&S Committee Chairman and Chief District Court Judge Alfred Kwaskipui was sent addressed to Commission Chairwoman Fannie Greene.

In the letter, the committee requests the commissioners to publicly endorse the construction of a new courthouse complex as well as requests Congressman Butterfield to seek a special appropriation from the United States Congress to construct a new Northampton County Judicial Complex and to purchase the land for the project.

On Friday afternoon, County Manager Wayne Jenkins acknowledged his office had received the letter and he plans to present it to the board at their next meeting.

Jenkins said the needs assessment study performed by Mosley Architects identified issues plaguing the historic 1858 courthouse, including structure, security and space issues.

“Funding has certainly been the hold up,” he said.

Last fall, Judge Kwasikpui, Chief Superior Court Judge Cy Grant and Jenkins met with Butterfield to explain the need for the project and ask for the congressman to introduce legislation for an appropriation for the county.

Jenkins said with the board’s endorsement of the project it will solidify the letter of request for funding.

The project currently sits on the county’s capital improvement plan. Projects on that plan are contingent on funding and are evaluated during each budget season whether or not there is funding.

The construction for a new courthouse complex is estimated to cost $11.37 million. The new complex would include a new courthouse at a different site, as well as allow possible future expansion to include a jail and law enforcement center.