GSA study: McAllen needs federal courthouse

McAllen needs a new federal courthouse, concludes a federal study that was released late Tuesday, providing a significant step forward in what is expected to be a years-long process toward securing a new facility.

The 23-page study, conducted by the General Services Administration, concludes that while the current facility located on U.S. Business 83 may be adequate for certain federal executive offices, the existing building is inadequate for judicial functions.

Bentsen Tower, where the courts currently lease space and have since 1987, does not and cannot provide adequate space for the courts, the study said. Security is an overall issue, the study found, especially regarding secure separation of judges, the public and prisoners. There is also not adequate room in the lobby for proper security screening, the study said.

This study is the result of a congressional directive inserted into a bill by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, whose district extends into western Hidalgo County. The study evaluated the current building and offered four options.

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