Legislature considering 1883 courthouse dollars

Jamestown (CSi) The North Dakota State Legislature is considering a one-time request for $500,000 in funding to complete the renovation of the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse.   The request is part of the State Historical Society of North Dakota budget.

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The 1883 Courthouse Committee is optimistic that the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse can be open to the public and used for community events and educational tours within two years.

Former State Senator, David Nething, of Jamestown, testified Friday on behalf of the courthouse committee before the Senate Appropriations Committee in Bismarck.

State Historical Society Historical sites regional manager Guinn Hinman, says the building is heated this winter for the first time in many years.

If approved by the legislature, the $500,000 would be matched by $75,000 local money, with a fundraising effort to then start.

Phase II of the project, which is not included in the current funding requests, would add an elevator to the building to improve access to the courtroom on the top floor, Hinman said.

Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse Facebook page.