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Senate Institutions panel reviews $500,000 capital adjustment to meet sprinkler code at Essex County Courthouse
Summary
Judiciary officials told the Senate Institutions committee that final design work found the Guildhall water system cannot support a required sprinkler system, prompting a proposed $500,000 capital-bill adjustment to install an underground tank and pump; local objections were noted and staff will respond.
Terry Poisson, state court administrator, told the Senate Institutions committee on Feb. 5, 2026, that final design work on the Essex County portion of a six‑county courthouse modernization project found the Guildhall water supply cannot support a required sprinkler system and that an underground water tank and pump house are the preferred fix.
"The cost of that is is $500,000," Poisson said, giving the committee an estimated figure intended to cover all costs associated with modifying the original design to meet regulatory requirements. He said a draft letter of intent related to the adjustment has been submitted.
Poisson said the renovation goes beyond sprinklers, describing security and accessibility improvements:…
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