FRANKFORT, Ky., July 2, 2025 – Planning is underway for a new judicial center in Caldwell County that will improve court services, enhance security and provide modern space for court operations.

Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Debra Hembree Lambert has announced the members of the Caldwell Project Development Board and provided the board notice to proceed on the project. PDBs oversee court construction projects as outlined by Judicial Branch procedures.

Using a project development board ensures that county and court officials have input on key aspects of the project, including site selection, design, and hiring of an architect and contractor. The board is comprised of County Judge/Executive William Dakota Young, Circuit Court Judge Natalie White, District Court Judge Roger Brandon Knoth, Circuit Court Clerk Christie Storm, and attorneys Jill Giordano and Serieta Jaggers. Advisory members include County Attorney Roy Massey IV and representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

“This project represents an important investment in the people of Caldwell County,” Chief Justice Lambert said. “A secure and efficient facility is essential to serving the community and ensuring the fair administration of justice.”

The Kentucky General Assembly authorized the project as part of the Judicial Branch biennial budget for fiscal years 2024-2026. Caldwell County will own the new judicial center while the AOC will pay for its construction and maintenance through the Judicial Branch budget. The project is estimated to cost $33.1 million and will be fully funded by the state through annual debt service payments of up to $2.8 million.

“After several years of working cooperatively with local and state judicial and legislative leaders to obtain funding, the recent establishment of a project development board to oversee planning and construction of a new justice center marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in the rich history of Caldwell County,” said Justice Christopher Shea Nickell, who serves the 1st Supreme Court District, which includes Caldwell County. “The new state-of-the-art court facility will offer far greater accessibility, efficiency, and safety to the public, the parties, and the legal practitioners as they seek justice under the law, while the impressive new local landmark will provide a deserved source of community inspiration and pride for generations to come.”

New and updated judicial centers are equipped with the latest computer, video and networking technology. They provide the highest level of Kentucky court security through single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel. Inmates are separated from the public by designated entrances and corridors.

Following an orientation on July 25, the project development board will hold its first public meeting. Meetings are open to the public and include updates on site selection, design and construction, including the bidding process. Once a site is selected, the design phase takes up to two years, followed by a construction period of a little more than two years.

Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC is the operations arm for the state court system and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.

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