Bond courthouse

A new federal courthouse in Jefferson City, Mo., was recently dedicated to former U.S. senator Kit Bond.

Bond, who helped secure the funding for the courthouse, is an appropriate choice for the building's namesake. Elected as the state's auditor and governor before becoming U.S. senator, a position he held for 24 years, Bond dedicated his career to serving the state of Missouri.

The new $68 million courthouse -- which came in under budget -- is the fourth federal courthouse, including the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau, to be built in Missouri over the last two decades.

One significant upgrade is that the new courthouse should improve safety for workers. The previous courthouse, which shared space with the U.S. Postal Service, had one elevator for judges, jurors, criminal defendants and visitors to use to get to the second-floor courtrooms. Bond noted the structure was "an open invitation" to violence.

Additionally, Jefferson City officials have hopes that the new facility will be the start for more redevelopment in the area.

We extend our congratulations to Jefferson City on the new courthouse and to Bond for this well-deserved recognition.