Officials to hold ground breaking ceremony for new courthouse | Events

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officials will hold a ground breaking ceremony for the new Columbus County courthouse next week.

Demolition of an old jail in Whiteville began in January to make room for the new county courthouse.

Officials expect it take about 18 months before the new building is complete.

The project will cost the county $15 million to build the new courthouse and renovate the current building, but they are saving $10 million by building it in Whiteville.

The new courthouse will provide security as inmates won’t have to enter through the main lobby.

West Smith Street will remain closed until construction on the new courthouse is complete, but there is an extra parking lot open to drivers behind the District Attorney’s Office.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place Feb. 5 at 2:00 p.m.

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