Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – For the first time in more than 60 years, Hidalgo County broke ground on the construction of a brand new, state of the art courthouse. This seven-story building will serve Hidalgo County up to the next century.
“We’re beginning to address the needs and are not interested in just patching things up like we’ve done for countless years,” said 370th District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez. “We are trying to meet the needs of the future.”
About 100 elected officials and stakeholders from throughout the county, gathered for the momentous occasion. The groundbreaking ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing the historical significance of transitioning into a new courthouse.
Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia shared some courthouse history and told the audience that the current courthouse, was built in 1954 with only five courtrooms to serve 169,000 residents. Today, we have 24 courts serving a population of more than 1 million residents. The new courthouse, which is estimated to cost under $150 million, will house 24 courts, the 13th court of appeals, and will have room for an additional 6 to 8 courtrooms as needed for future growth.
“We’re constructing this facility to allow for future growth into the next century,” said Garcia. “The new courthouse will accommodate all of our current courthouse needs as well as provide space for more courts and offices as our county grows.”
