Jefferson County to seek $926,874 state grant to restore historic courthouse steps

Presiding Official moved and the commissioners approved a resolution authorizing an application to the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for $926,874 in LSA grant funds to rehabilitate the historic steps at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

The move to apply followed a staff description of the steps as a safety hazard. "Those steps have been blocked off because they are a safety hazard," said Speaker 2, describing cracking and buckling stone and saying the work would be a total restoration using any reusable materials while maintaining the courthouse's historic aesthetic. Speaker 1 added that the steps are "pulling away from the building" and warned the work will get more expensive with delay.

According to the text of the resolution read at the meeting (Resolution 2020-5-11), the county seeks $926,874 to fund the rehabilitation. The resolution was seconded and a roll call was requested; the clerk recorded at least two affirmative responses (Mister North and Mister Gaines answered "Yes") during the call for votes.

If the application is awarded, county staff said the work would aim to preserve the original look and character of the courthouse steps while replacing failing elements. The meeting record did not specify a construction timetable beyond a general hope to complete the project "maybe next year." The next procedural step is submission of the application to the Department of Community and Economic Development / Commonwealth Financing Authority as authorized by the resolution.

The motion to apply for the LSA grant was recorded as approved in the meeting minutes.