GSA U.S. Federal Courthouse Project Contributes $40 million to Local Economy

The new federal courthouse in downtown Billings contributed more than $40 million to the local economy and will help save taxpayer dollars through its energy efficient features.

The building is designed to use at least 30% less than energy than that used by a typical building of the same size.  The facility makes use of super insulated walls, triple glazed window systems, high performance lighting, and water-wise natural grasses. The courthouse is on track to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

“This investment underscores GSA’s dedication to Billings and the state of Montana, our customers, and the Montana business community,” said Sue Damour, Rocky Mountain Regional Administrator.  “We have made a significant investment on behalf of the American taxpayer to the region that will serve the community for years to come.”

Built by Mortenson Construction, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project is home for the U.S. District Court, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Probation. The new courthouse, located at 2601 2nd Avenue North, is the fastest delivery of a modern courthouse with just 27 months from “Notice to Proceed” to the first day of court.

“We are thankful to Yellowstone County, the City and to the community of Billings for supporting this central business district anchor that will provide improved services to the citizens of Montana for decades to come," added Damour.

Generating construction jobs and small business opportunities at a critical economic time, GSA awarded more than 60 percent of the $79 million project to Montana businesses; much of that was directed at small business.

Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development, Yellowstone County’s economic development arm, says the project helped the downtown and Montana businesses.

“Our Billings Procurement and Technical Assistance Center served as a liaison between GSA, Mortenson and small businesses throughout the state seeking sub-contracting opportunities. So, we are very pleased that 76 percent of this project was invested with local Montana contractors.  When we first acquired the MDU office building downtown to help facilitate this project, all we had was a vision. Now the new federal courthouse is a reality and is not only a great addition to downtown, but a success story for the redevelopment efforts of our Downtown Billings Partnership.”