Officials discussing new federal courthouse in McAllen

There are plans for a new federal courthouse building in McAllen. While there’s still plenty of work to do, Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, has catalyzed the process and is working different avenues to try to make the project work.

Mayor Jim Darling told Cuellar that McAllen would provide land for the project just like San Antonio did last year when Cuellar helped bring a new $135 million courthouse to the Alamo City.

Darling’s office sent Cuellar a map of the old Sam Houston School site, which Darling said is a preliminary proposal for where the courthouse could be constructed.

Cuellar said the General Services Administration currently leases 150,000 square feet for the federal court, and it is currently insufficient for security reasons.

The congressman said GSA is conducting a study to determine if the project should solely be a courthouse or a courthouse and federal building. GSA will then determine the feasibility of the project.

The project also has to go through Judge D. Brooks Smith, chairman of the Committee on Space and Facilities for U.S. courts. Cuellar said Smith will likely come to McAllen in the next few months to meet with Cuellar, Darling, Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa and local officials.

As far as financials, Cuellar serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which would provide the fiscal backing for the project.

But first, Cuellar needs to get approval from both the GSA and Smith’s committee. Each of these has a list, which are critical to the project moving forward. That’s why Cuellar is conversing with the different sets of officials before he can make significant financial movements.

“Hopefully we’re No. 1 on the lists,” Cuellar said. “If we’re able to get these things in line, then I can go to (the House) Appropriations (Committee).

“But first of all, the listing is very important.”