BATESVILLE, — Independence County has received a $150,000 state grant to install an elevator in its courthouse.
The Batesville Daily Guard reported that the elevator will be installed in County Judge Robert Griffin's office.
The 1940 courthouse is equipped with a chair lift that county officials say is inadequate. Griffin said the building is likely not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Officials estimate the cost of the elevator at $200,000. Griffin says the county will have to use money from the general fund or a low-interest loan to pay the difference.
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program provided the grant. The program has awarded more than $2 million in grants for projects in 33 counties.