Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star renovation of the Columbia County Courthouse could begin as early as September. The Hudson building will remain in operation during construction. The county Board of Supervisors awarded three contracts for the project, totaling more than $6.9 million, Wed., July 11. Agreements are now in place for general contracting services, plumbing and mechanical work; an electrical contract is still pending. None of the contractors hired Wednesday are based in Columbia County. Public Works Commissioner David Robinson has projected the total cost of the renovation at $10 million. The 104-year-old building was designed by the firm Warren and Wetmore, the same architects that designed New York City's Grand Central Station. Columbia County has been under order by the U.S. Justice Dept. for a decade to make all of its bulidings, including the courthouse, accessible to those with disabilities. Read the full story in the Register Star.