Heineman signs bill to move State Fair
GRAND ISLAND — Calling it “the opportunity of a lifetime” for the Nebraska State Fair and the University of Nebraska, Gov. Dave Heineman signed into law Friday legislation that will move the fair to Grand Island, beginning in 2010.
The measure (LB1116) also transfers the state fairgrounds in Lincoln to the university, which plans to develop a public-private research park at the site.
Several hundred people attended a signing ceremony at the Heartland Event Center adjacent to Grand Island’s Fonner Park.
The board will negotiate a long-term lease beginning no later than 2010 for Fonner Park and the adjacent land owned by the Hall County Livestock Improvement Association.
“With today’s bill signing, we have created the opportunity of a lifetime for two very important institutions in our state — the Nebraska State Fair and the University of Nebraska,” Heineman said before signing the bill.
“I have confidence that the State Fair will prosper here in Grand Island because of the leadership present in this community, your determination and the can-do attitude we’ve seen in the last several months of this discussion. Today is an exciting day for Grand Island and all of central Nebraska.”
The University of Nebraska will provide $21.5 million to finance the move of the fair from its historic location in Lincoln, adjacent to the university’s City Campus.
Additional funds will come from the city of Grand Island, which will contribute $8.5 million, a contribution from the State Fair Board of $7 million, and $5 million from the state’s cash reserve fund.
Heineman initially had opposed the use of any state funds to move the fair.
The $42 million in financing will be used by the State Fair Board and the Hall County Livestock Improvement Association to upgrade the existing Fonner Park site, and add livestock and maintenance buildings, barns, exhibition halls and arenas, in addition to making improvements to the property.
Former Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek said it will take hard work to raise the city’s share of the cost.
“I would hope that everyone today can enjoy the moment,” Vavricek said. “The challenge is just beginning. The adventure is just beginning.”
The relatively low cost to the state helped attract support from lawmakers for the move.
Money from the university will likely include private donations and proceeds from the sale of other land.
Sen. Philip Erdman, Chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, said, “It was important that any relocation provide new opportunities for the State Fair to be successful. That was accomplished through this proposal.”
The bill, passed overwhelmingly by the Legislature, changes the makeup of the State Fair Board to include representatives from Grand Island, and provides that university officials outline a master plan and business plan for the development of the Innovation Campus and provide regular updates to state officials.
“This is also an exciting day for the University of Nebraska,” Heineman said. “Relocating the fair provides a historic opportunity for Lincoln. The new business development opportunities that will be created in the years to come will help attract new jobs to our state and help our capital city continue growing for the next generation of business leaders.”
The measure (LB1116) also transfers the state fairgrounds in Lincoln to the university, which plans to develop a public-private research park at the site.
Several hundred people attended a signing ceremony at the Heartland Event Center adjacent to Grand Island’s Fonner Park.
The board will negotiate a long-term lease beginning no later than 2010 for Fonner Park and the adjacent land owned by the Hall County Livestock Improvement Association.
“With today’s bill signing, we have created the opportunity of a lifetime for two very important institutions in our state — the Nebraska State Fair and the University of Nebraska,” Heineman said before signing the bill.
“I have confidence that the State Fair will prosper here in Grand Island because of the leadership present in this community, your determination and the can-do attitude we’ve seen in the last several months of this discussion. Today is an exciting day for Grand Island and all of central Nebraska.”
The University of Nebraska will provide $21.5 million to finance the move of the fair from its historic location in Lincoln, adjacent to the university’s City Campus.
Additional funds will come from the city of Grand Island, which will contribute $8.5 million, a contribution from the State Fair Board of $7 million, and $5 million from the state’s cash reserve fund.
Heineman initially had opposed the use of any state funds to move the fair.
The $42 million in financing will be used by the State Fair Board and the Hall County Livestock Improvement Association to upgrade the existing Fonner Park site, and add livestock and maintenance buildings, barns, exhibition halls and arenas, in addition to making improvements to the property.
Former Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek said it will take hard work to raise the city’s share of the cost.
“I would hope that everyone today can enjoy the moment,” Vavricek said. “The challenge is just beginning. The adventure is just beginning.”
The relatively low cost to the state helped attract support from lawmakers for the move.
Money from the university will likely include private donations and proceeds from the sale of other land.
Sen. Philip Erdman, Chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, said, “It was important that any relocation provide new opportunities for the State Fair to be successful. That was accomplished through this proposal.”
The bill, passed overwhelmingly by the Legislature, changes the makeup of the State Fair Board to include representatives from Grand Island, and provides that university officials outline a master plan and business plan for the development of the Innovation Campus and provide regular updates to state officials.
“This is also an exciting day for the University of Nebraska,” Heineman said. “Relocating the fair provides a historic opportunity for Lincoln. The new business development opportunities that will be created in the years to come will help attract new jobs to our state and help our capital city continue growing for the next generation of business leaders.”
Copyright © 2002-2008 Lincoln Journal Star. All rights reserved.