State Rep. Antonio Cabral Applauds Plan For New, Larger Courthouse

State Representative Antonio Cabral is applauding the state's Trial Court recommendation to build a new, larger courthouse in downtown New Bedford.

Rep. Cabral has been a longtime advocate for overhauling what he calls "overburdened and poorly maintained" court facilities in the city.

He says the draft Court Capital Master Plan outlines a one-stop-shop courthouse, similar to what can be found in Fall River and Taunton.

"What I've been advocating and what I believe this draft indicates is that it would be what's called a regional justice center in which all the courts would be housed in the same facility," Rep. Cabral said over the phone Thursday.

The Plan recommends closing 41 existing courthouses statewide and building 11 new, larger courthouses.

Though the plans aren't final, Rep. Cabral is encouraged by what's been done so far.

"In the coming months, I will continue to work with Trial Court officials to ensure that New Bedford's courthouse needs are finally addressed with a new facility downtown."