Governor signs Democratic leader's courthouse construction funding bill

A bill that would pour $5 billion into badly need California courthouse construction and repair was signed into law Friday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The legislation, SB 1407, was authored state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata will provide public bond funds to finance the construction of approximately 40 major capital court projects throughout the state. The bonds would be funded by increased fines and court fees and therefore does not impact the state's general fund.

"I'm pleased the Governor has signed this bill which continues our efforts to rebuild California's infrastructure," said the Oakland Democrat. "People who seek justice at our state's courthouses deserve places where they can feel safe and have court cases administered effectively."

The governor agreed with the democratic leader.

"Building California's infrastructure is one of my highest priorities," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "Improving our state's aging court facilities has been an integral part of my promise to Californians to rebuild our infrastructure and increase public safety. This bill not only delivers on that promise to finance desperately needed construction projects, but it will also help create thousands of jobs for California workers."