County Government Center Wins National Recognition

County Government Center Wins National Recognition
By Mike Corpos

FAIRFIELD - Solano County is the winner of the 2005-06 Center for Sustainable Community Award from the National Association of Counties for building a new government center to better serve its citizens.

According to a release from County Administrator Michael Johnson's office, the award highlights a commitment to "making Solano County a national leader in providing quality services and facilities to its residents. The Government Center was built as an economic catalyst and a model of environmental stewardship."

The Solano County Government Center consists of almost three city blocks in downtown Fairfield.

Work began on the $100 million project on Dec. 10, 2002, resulting in a complex of buildings including a new six-story, 300,000-square-foot government center; a five-level, 1,000-stall public and employee parking garage; and a two-story, 42,500-square-foot county probation building.

"This is fantastic news - not only for those directly involved in the project but for all county residents," Johnson said in the release.

The NACo award is designed to showcase creative county-led partnerships that develop sustainable communities, the release said.

Solano was selected for the award because its application highlighted successes achieved through partnerships with the city of Fairfield, the Napa-Solano Building Trades Council, the local arts community and private sector firms that were involved in the development.

"From early on, the Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Fairfield envisioned the construction of the Government Center as a way to promote sustainability and revitalize downtown Fairfield," said John Vasquez, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. "The effort was successful. The project catalyzed private investment and enhanced the business climate in the neighborhood."

The center was completed in July 2005 - on time and under budget - the release states.

"With this recognition, our new Government Center will serve as a model for other counties to follow," Johnson said.

Solano County will be recognized during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 27.

Reach Mike Corpos at 427-6977 or mcorpos@dailyrepublic.net.