SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - State Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Hampden, is throwing his support behind plans for a new Springfield courthouse.

Puppolo wants to see it as part of a redevelopment of the city’s north riverfront, which would include housing, shopping and dining.

Last month, Gov. Maura Healey announced $100 million dollars in funding for a new building. Puppolo said the current building has been around for decades and has become the root of health concerns for people working inside.

"Well there's a tremendous amount of issues relative to mold, black mold, damage, water damage," Puppolo said. "There's been issues relative to cancer. There's been a high correlation of Lou Gehrig's disease of individuals who have worked in that building."

Puppolo said the total cost will depend on the site for the project. His plan would involve a separate development group that would build the site and then lease it to the Commonwealth afterwards in order to save money on the construction costs as well as expedite the construction process.

Puppolo said the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance is currently considering multiple sites for the location of a new courthouse, including the one where he wants to see it at the North Riverfront area in downtown Springfield.

"I think the North Riverfront project is unique in terms of location, and it's usefulness," he said. "It's going to be a multi-use structure. There's going to be a courthouse there. There's going to be some residential there. There's going to be some business component."

Puppolo said a new building would be a big improvement for the health and safety of the employees and visitors but also an opportunity for economic development for all of greater Springfield.

"The spin-off of that, a brand new courthouse, we're gonna have jobs, construction jobs," he said. "There'll be additional jobs in every courthouse that they build. The personnel has gone up, so there'll be more opportunities for people to work at a clerks office, more opportunities for security."

Puppolo said he expects the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to have a decision on a specific location soon.