Panel OKs expansion funds for state Supreme court

Monday, March 16, 1998 | 3:32 a.m.

The high court wants to pay part of the planning and design costs of the proposed Clark County Regional Justice Center. In return, the court will initially lease space when the building is completed and have the option to pick up more space if needed.

The court's headquarters in Carson City, which opened about seven years ago, was built to accommodate the two additional justices that will come on line in 1999.

The request must also be approved by the Legislative Interim Finance Committee which meets March 25. The request wasn't presented to the 1997 Legislature.

Karen Kavanau, director of the administrative office of the court, said the court will ask the 1999 Legislature for money for a long-term lease. It's estimated it would cost the court $1.80 to $1.90 a square foot to lease the space from Clark County.

The 50,000-square-foot plan for the Las Vegas court facilities compares with the state office building in Las Vegas which has 110,000 square feet. When the court now meets in southern Nevada, it convenes at the North Las Vegas City Hall.

Kavanau said the court's presence will increase in Las Vegas with its expansion, and three-judge panels will begin hearing cases on a regular basis.