Miller County Courthouse re-dedicated after 2021 pipe damage

MILLER COUNTY, Ark. (KSLA) - Miller County leaders held a re-dedication ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 10, for the Miller County Courthouse, which was heavily damaged in February 2021 after water pipes burst in freezing temperatures.

Damage and remodeling

There was uncertainty about the building’s future after the damage. County leaders then worked to save the structure through a major remodeling project.

Carol Dalby, an Arkansas state representative, spoke at the ceremony.

“We are looking at more than restored molding, we are looking at more than a clean facade. We are looking at a living monument to our county history and looking forward to the future,” Dalby said.

Cost and funding

Leaders said the restoration cost about $4 million. After insurance, the repair cost to the county was $700,000.

Miller County Judge Cathy Harrison said the county has received more than $2 million in grants for the project so far.

The courthouse was originally built in 1938.

Updates to the building

Harrison said most of the restoration work was in the courtrooms and the prosecutor’s office.

“In the restoration of the courthouse we were able to bring the building up to current code, which in the past it was not,” Harrison said.

She said the courthouse has fire alarms but does not have sprinkler systems. Harrison said the alarms are a major upgrade.

Work that remains

Harrison said there is still work to be done and the county continues to seek additional grant money. She said residents can take comfort knowing the courthouse is here to stay.

Harrison thanked county justices of the peace for their support in 2021.

“I just want to say thank you, especially to our JP’s in 2021. This would not have been possible because of ya’lls support and vision in taking care of our courthouse and I thank you. Like I said, it is a passion of mine,” Harrison said.