MultCo Commissioners Approve Plans for East County Courthouse

After years of delays and missteps, Multnomah County commissioners this morning unanimously approved the design for a new East County Courthouse in Rockwood.

"I know this is a building. But it represents more than the stones, bricks and glass we see on paper," said Commissioner Diane McKeel, who represents East County on the five-member board. "It represents commitment to an area left behind for too long."

The plans approved this morning call for a 40,000-square-foot building with three courtrooms to handle misdemeanors and traffic cases. East County residents will be able to file papers there for civil and domestic cases, as well as request stalking orders.

The project is estimated to cost up to $20 million and will be completed by early 2012, county staff said. The commissioners will vote again in November on whether to approve financing for the project.