Bidding information for the Criminal Justice Center portion of new courthouse project is now available to potential bidders.

The project involves earthwork, site utilities and general construction. The deadline for bidding is Feb. 5. The ground breaking is expected to begin in March, after the County Board approves the contract.

The $25.7 million project has been delayed due to arguments regarding the project size and funding method.

A citizen group demanded the county to save the 54 administrative annex and have a public referendum on the bond issue. An anonymous group, Freeborn County Committee for Fairness, filed a lawsuit against the county to halt the project, which resulted in scaring away prospective bidders for the bond and initial footing jobs.

The City of Albert Lea passed a resolution to split the cost with county for replacing sewer pipe under Pearl St. prior to construction.

The bidding documents that describe the detail of the construction are available at selected building exchanges in Minnesota and Wisconsin cities. Bidders are encouraged to visit these sites to review the details of the project.