Howard County has officially opened the new Circuit Courthouse in Maryland, USA. The construction work was completed on time and on budget through the public-private partnership, which includes construction, operation and maintenance. 

The 238,000 square foot facility replaces the 175-year-old historic courthouse and is considered the largest capital project in Howard County. It features a four-story atrium, a large entryway for safety screening, and large office space. In addition, there is a courtroom for a sixth judge, a jury assembly area, and a 682-space parking garage.  

In total, 100 companies and more than 2,000 workers participated in the 2-year construction. The authority awarded US$117 million in contracts to Maryland-based firms, US$22 million in contracts to Equal Business Opportunity firms, and US$19 million in contracts to Howard County-based firms.