Gov. Heineman Signs Bill to Relocate the Nebraska State Fair

(Grand Island, Neb. - Photos ) Gov. Dave Heineman was in Grand Island today to sign LB 1116 into law. The bill removes the requirement that the Nebraska State Fair be held in Lincoln from state statute and outlines the process for transferring the state fairground property to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

“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,” Gov. Heineman said. “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.”

LB 1116 directs the State Fair Board to begin planning to move the State Fair to Fonner Park in Grand Island. 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.

The University of Nebraska will provide $21.5 million to finance the move of the State Fair from its historic location in Lincoln. 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 coming from the state’s Cash Reserve Fund.

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.

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. LB 1116 answers the question on the location of the State Fair and ends a decade-long conversation on the future of the fair. This resolution provides a solid foundation for the State Fair, and allows the University to pursue a bright future for their institution and for the benefit of all Nebraskans.”

The bill changes the make-up of the State Fair Board to include representatives from the community of 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.

Gov. Heineman said, “This is also an exciting day for the University of Nebraska. 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.”