More RJC repairs
Tuesday's downpour caused plenty of disruptions and delays around the Las Vegas Valley, as most summer storms do. Thankfully, the rain caused relatively little flood damage.
But we're not surprised that some of the worst damage and inconvenience took place at the Regional Justice Center. Downtown's courthouse was, is and always will be the boondoggle to end all public-sector construction boondoggles.
About 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, court marshals said the ceiling over the metal detectors at the main entrance burst open, creating a waterfall that flooded the entire lobby. The courthouse was forced to close to all nonessential business, and when it reopened Wednesday morning, most of the security screening equipment was damaged. The line to enter the RJC stretched almost a quarter-mile, making the wheels of justice turn even more slowly.
We don't dare ask what else can go wrong at a building that opened, four years late and $60 million over budget - before the county had to pay $33 million in legal fees and an additional $51 million to settle its dispute with the contractor. The building was plagued by leaks for years. It's elevators can't handle peak traffic. And last year, just six years after opening, the building underwent $10 million in renovations.
County officials should make sure Tuesday's storm didn't create hidden damage that one day could cause harm. The public must know the RJC is a safe place for their business - taxpayers can't afford personal injury litigation here.
The county's poor management of the project is the gift that keeps on giving - to repair contractors. And you'll keep getting the bill.
