Public Hearing on New Nevada City Courthouse

FOR RELEASE

Media Contact: Daisy Yee, 415-865-8929

Aug. 4, 2011

Public Meeting and Invitation to Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Report for Proposed New Nevada City Courthouse

What: A public meeting hosted by the state of California’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to discuss and receive comments on the draft environmental impact report (EIR) prepared for the proposed new Nevada City courthouse. Two sites are currently under consideration.

This meeting is a necessary step in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. At the meeting, the public and other interested parties will have an opportunity to hear and comment on the draft EIR.

The comment period extends through 5 p.m. on August 22, 2011, so those unable to attend the meeting may also review the document and provide comments. A downloadable draft EIR and instructions for submitting comments are available on the California Courts website: www.courts.ca.gov/facilities-nevada.htm, under the “background” tab.

When: Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Where: Department VI of the Nevada City Courthouse, 201 Church Street, Nevada City, CA (map)

Who: The AOC Office of Court Construction and Management will present project information, and interested parties may ask questions, provide verbal comments, or submit written comments regarding the draft EIR.

Why: The current historic courthouse is a significant town landmark but no longer adequate to serve as the main facility for the Superior Court of Nevada County. The court’s current space is unsafe, substandard, overcrowded, and functionally obsolete. The planned project is funded by Senate Bill 1407 (2008), which finances critically needed courthouse construction and renovation through a portion of judicial branch fees, penalties, and assessments, with no impact on the state’s General Fund.

# # #