MADISON, Ind. (AP) - Sixteen architectural firms have expressed interest in drawing up plans for rebuilding a 19th century courthouse in southern Indiana that was heavily damaged by fire this spring.

A three-member committee will help Jefferson County commissioners select architects to interview for the project in the Ohio River city of Madison.

The May 20 fire destroyed the 154-year-old courthouse's dome-topped bell tower, which collapsed into the third floor. Investigators determined that a contractor who was soldering pipe accidentally started the fire in a wooden part of the roof.

Commissioner Tom Pietrykowski says he hopes to have a new roof installed this year, with the dome being added later.

Historic Madison Inc. director John Staicer says some of the firms interested in the project have worked on other older buildings in the city.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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