BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The funding hurdle to building a federal courthouse downtown has apparently been overcome, thanks to the federal stimulus package.

In a proposal by the General Services Administration to the House Appropriations Committee released to the public Tuesday, $31 million will be allocated to build the Bakersfield federal courthouse on the eastern edge of Central Park.

That is part of the $5.55 billion allocated to the GSA for projects across the country under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law by President Barack Obama in February.

Local congressmen Kevin McCarthy, (R) - Bakersfield, and Jim Costa, (D) - Fresno, applauded the funding.

McCarthy issued the following statement:

"I applaud this funding for the Bakersfield Federal courthouse. Over the years, we have faced many obstacles related to this project, but worked together as a community to ensure that this project remained a high priority and would come to fruition.

The case was made about the courthouses necessity, and one of the last hurdles that remained was the funding. Finally, we are about to jump over that hurdle and bring a Federal courthouse to Bakersfield. I look forward to the day that the courthouse can open its doors to serve our growing region.

Costa agreed, issuing the following statement:

"This a great day for Kern County and Bakersfield. The proposed courthouse is sorely needed in the area and funding will speed this project along and start construction soon.

I am looking forward to seeing ground broken and ultimately, a new courthouse in Bakersfield.

The proposed courthouse would include chambers and a courtroom for the U.S. District Court, a U.S. Marshals office and federal probation office.

Federal cases involving Bakersfield residents would take place here, rather than at the district court in Fresno.