BENTON, Ill. (WJPF) — The Franklin County Board has picked a contractor to build the new courthouse.

At their meeting Tuesday night, the board unanimously accepted the low bid from Fager McGee. The Murphysboro construction company will do the job for about $12.6 million, over one million dollars under the original budgeted amount.

Fager McGee estimates construction will take about 17 months. Work is expected to begin next month.