FARMINGTON -- The $1.5 million Davis County Children's Justice Center in Farmington officially becomes operational Tuesday, almost another week behind schedule.
That same day, the razing of the former Children's Justice Center at 125 S. Main will begin.
The razing process is expected to take about a week and will include some removal of asbestos from the building before demolition, officials say.
"We're looking at opening the doors on Jan. 3," Davis County property manager Tony Thompson said of the new Davis CJC at 98 S. 100 East.
The intent was to have the center operational by Dec. 28, but in ironing out technical problems with the installation of the center's video and audio equipment, the date had to be moved back a few days, Thompson said.
However, the demolition of the former center is still scheduled to begin Tuesday, he said.
"It shouldn't take them too long to raze the old CJC," Thompson said. "The weather is cooperating, unseasonably."
The demolition of the former center and removal of debris from that parcel should be completed within a week to make room for the construction of the new main branch library, Thompson said.
Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings said he is elated at having the new CJC and is pleased the county was able to build it without a tax increase.
"We feel it reflects the priority Davis County puts on our children," he said.
Rawlings said the investment made in the new building also speaks well for the commitment of Davis law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes against children.
He said agencies that fully utilized the former center will benefit from operating out of a new center.
The CJC provides a home-like atmosphere where child victims of physical or sexual abuse can be interviewed by proper authorities. Those interviews can be videotaped in an unobtrusive manner to prevent the victim from having to continually repeat the process as the case makes its way through the legal system.
"I am confident (the new center) will serve children, families and law enforcement well," Rawlings said.
The new Davis CJC is part of a $22.5 million Memorial Courthouse campus renovation, including parking and landscaping, that is taking place at 28 E. State St.
The campus renovation includes the construction of the $1.5 million Davis CJC, a $4.8 million main branch library and a $15 million multistory administrative office building.
The project, being funded with recovery zone bonds, federal stimulus money and a small amount of county capital improvement surplus funds, is to be completed next fall.
Comments