Columbus federal courthouse to get security upgrade. (Register, Bishop: 2015, house)

[Columbuskidd92]

Tucked away in the 2015 federal budget that was recently passed was about $5 million to make need security improvements to the federal courthouse in downtown Columbus.

Plans call for the installation of a prisoner elevator, the construction of a protected parking area and improvements to the courthouse prisoner movement plan.

Currently, U.S. Marshals move federal prisoners in some areas that are frequented by employees and visitors.

“This will clearly improve our security,” said U.S. District Court Judge Clay Land, who is the chief judge in Georgia’s Middle District. “And it will enhance the safety of all of our employees and the people who visit the courthouse every day.”

Columbus will receive part of a $20 million Judiciary Capital Security Program appropriation, Land said.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, played a role in keep the legislation on track, Land said. The judge also thanked Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland for their roles in securing the funds.

There was no time table given for the construction to begin or be completed.

The historic courthouse and Post Office at 120 12th Street was built in 1933 during The Great Depression. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.


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