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Lamar Smith
Contact: Brian Baluta 202-225-4236


Gonzalez, Smith: Appropriations Bill Includes $4 Million for New Federal Courthouse

Washington, Jul 17 -

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3170, the Financial Services Appropriations bill, which included $4 million for a new federal courthouse in San Antonio at the request of Congressmen Charles Gonzalez (TX-20) and Lamar Smith (TX-21).

“I’m proud we were able to secure funding for the new federal courthouse, which will serve the community for years to come,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “Originally part of the 1968 HemisFair, the current building was never designed as a courthouse. That, coupled with age, clearly requires a new building to accommodate the greater case load of our ever expanding community. The construction of a new courthouse demonstrates a key investment in smart growth planning for our community and will help to jumpstart our economy by creating jobs throughout its construction. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure that this project receives the support it needs.”

“The population of San Antonio has more than doubled since the current facility opened in 1975,” said Rep. Smith, who is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. “A new courthouse that meets the needs of the Judiciary and our growing community is a prudent use of federal funding. I’m glad that Rep. Gonzalez and I were able to win support for this worthy project.”

The existing John H. Wood, Jr. United States Courthouse was originally constructed as a circular theater for the San Antonio Hemisfair Celebration in 1968 and was renovated in 1975 to serve as the federal courthouse. The inefficient building does not have sufficient space for the court, does not provide adequate security, and has air quality and mold problems.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has identified a site and intends to swap the land the courthouse is currently on, as well as an adjacent government-owned site, for a city-owned property on which to build the courthouse. The funding will enable GSA to hire an architect to design the facility.