MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) - An engineering firm has found severe structural problems that would put a nearly 100-year-old courthouse in Washington state at risk if an earthquake hit.

The Skagit Valley Herald reported Sunday that a report by the Davido Consulting Group identified several “significant seismic deficiencies” in the Skagit County Courthouse in Mount Vernon.

The report says the building has several interior walls made from hollow clay tiles that would provide little stability during a quake.

It also says the building is top heavy from the concrete walls on the fourth floor.

County Commissioner Ron Wesen says officials might consider building a replacement facility because of the age and condition of the courthouse.

He says the building also lacks space for staff and does not meet the modern security guidelines.

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Information from: Skagit Valley Herald, http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com

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