Although many cities are facing financial struggles, the city of San Bernardino will soon be receiving a nice gift funded by the state.

San Bernardino announced that it will be breaking ground on a 36-room, 12-story downtown state courthouse that will address population growth and safety needs.

Chief of Staff Jim Morris called the fully funded courthouse a “great feat” as well as a great example of using scarce resources.

Mayor Patrick Morris came to office in San Bernardino with over 30 years of experience from the judicial bench, which prompted the discussion of court expansion.

San Bernardino ranked No. 34 on the priority list for a new courthouse at the start of the discussion.

After re-examining the earthquake safety of the current building, San Bernardino and Long Beach were No. 1 and 2 on the list.

“The court house has been in need of renovation for sometime,” Morris said.

The city made the commitment to build and told the state, “If you build it, we’ll give you the land,” Morris said. “Great partnership effort on behalf of the city, county and the state.”

The building is set to break ground in the next 12-15 months.

Louis Dettorre can be reached at ldettorre@publicceo.com