Washington D.C.  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) and U.S. Senator Kit Bond today broke ground for the new U.S. courthouse at ceremonies in Cape Girardeau.  Working together, the two secured over $49 million in federal funding for the new facility.

 

“This is a momentous occasion – with the construction of this courthouse, we are signaling our commitment to upholding the law as well as our reinvestment in the institutions that make Southern Missouri great,” Emerson said.  “Citizens of Cape Girardeau have participated in the life of this project from the very beginning – and it really shows.  The new building will complement our community and its architecture.” 

In her remarks, Emerson said, “Our citizens can be proud of the beautiful structure we are going to build.  The strong brick walls will remind them of our fortitude.  The glass windows will remind them of the transparency of our judicial system.  The height of the foyer will inspire them to look upwards and acknowledge the higher power that is participating in justice, too.  Our commitment to this courthouse is also a commitment to the principles the courthouse will embody.”

 

Emerson then introduced Bond, the keynote speaker for the event, who was instrumental in securing federal funding for the project from his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

“Today, we are part of a historic occasion, breaking ground for a new United States Federal Courthouse in southern Missouri. It is not only a new and more modern home for the judicial branch, but for the people of Southern Missouri it is the avenue to the judicial system and their means to protect their right to life, liberty and property," said Bond. "Though it will be beautiful, it is merely steel, bricks and mortar. What makes it so much more is its place in giving the people access to that third and equally important branch of government.”

 

Emerson and Bond were joined by Senior Judge of the U.S. District Court Stephen N. Limbaugh, Sr., Mayor of Cape Girardeau Jay Knudtson, and President of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce John Mehner.  Also at the ceremony Monday, the Southeast Missouri State University Band provided music, the Marine Corps League presented the colors, La Toya Robinson Tate sang the National Anthem, and the Otahki Council of the Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance.