Justice Center near completion; county eyes end-of-October turnover but AEP power connection remains key

County engineer John Hernandez gave a construction update on the Justice Center, reporting that the most recent payout to contractor Fulton was about $1,000,000 and that the project is approximately 97% complete (with standard retainage outstanding). Hernandez described completed water-line loop connections on the west side of the site, ongoing HVAC and commissioning work, final fire-system inspections and AV/courtroom mock-ups scheduled for Oct. 12 for judges to test courtroom audio-visual setups.

Hernandez said a key outstanding item is the final overhead-to-underground power connection at the lift station performed by AEP; while the connection is scheduled, AEP has not yet provided a firm date. "They're looking at the end of October as a tentative date," Hernandez said, and commissioners asked for weekly updates on potential hold-ups and for a plan B if the AEP connection slips. Staff said furniture deliveries and interior installations are progressing and that the county is coordinating final appliance and inventory needs ahead of move-in planning.