ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Department of Public Works has scheduled an on-site industry presentation for those interested in submitting proposals to participate in a public-private partnership (P3) for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of a new 230,000 square-foot Circuit Courthouse and 600-space structured parking facility.
The session will be held Friday, June 16, 2017, from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building located at 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City. At the session, the County will provide a brief presentation and answer questions prior to issuing an Expression of Interest later this summer.
Howard County plans to build the new courthouse on property it currently owns on Bendix Road through an innovative P3 approach. The existing Thomas Dorsey Building would be demolished to make way for the Courthouse.
“Using a P3 is an efficient and effective way to build this courthouse,” said County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “The plan has received unanimous support from both the Spending Affordability Advisory Committee and the County Council. The P3 will enable us to move quickly and efficiently to get the courthouse built.”
The recently approved FY 2018 capital improvement program budget includes $105 million in county funding for this project, which is expected to be supported by both public and private financing.
The existing courthouse is 174 years old and can no longer be updated to meet the community’s needs.Prisoners, judges, court staff, the public and opposing parties in highly contentious matters, such as child custody cases, are often required to share hallways and other common areas. In addition, the current courthouse cannot adequately meet security needs, lacks the technology infrastructure to meet State requirements for electronic filing and does not have the space for an already authorized sixth judge and support staff.
Industry Day will also provide an opportunity for companies to explore teaming opportunities. After the County’s presentations, conference room space is reserved until 2:00 p.m. for that purpose. Interested parties unable to attend the Industry Day on June 16 are still eligible to submit qualifications for the project.
To register for Industry Day, send an e-mail to howardcourthouse@howardcountymd.gov.