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Appropriations panel approves amended funding for state fair campground restroom and safety upgrades
Summary
The Appropriations Committee approved amendments to Senate Bill 2009 to continue premium awards funding for 4‑H/FFA exhibitors and add one‑time funds for a campground restroom facility and safety/security infrastructure at the State Fairgrounds; the committee approved the amended bill by roll call.
The Appropriations Committee approved amendments to Senate Bill 2009 on a party-line roll call, adding one‑time funds for a campground restroom/shower/laundry facility and safety and security infrastructure at the State Fairgrounds while continuing the existing premium awards line.
Committee chair Chairman Beckettall convened the committee and placed Senate Bill 2009 (State Fair Association) before the panel; Senator Sorvaugh’s designee Senator Thomas carried the measure and explained the package to the committee.
The amendments approved by committee keep the existing premium award funding for 4‑H and FFA exhibitors at the prior biennium level. Senator Thomas described two one‑time additions that drove the net increase: funding for a campground restroom/shower/wash facility and $1,000,000 for “safety and security infrastructure.” Thomas said the $1,000,000 security request includes “roughly $376,000 of that will be implementing new security cameras and hardware,” an emergency paging system (about $349,000) and high‑visibility lighting (about $56,000). He said the restroom project would be funded at 75% of project costs with a maximum state share of $900,000.
Committee members pressed staff and the sponsor about the project budget and who would cover remaining costs. Senator Davidson asked whether the remainder would come from the State Fair’s operating or reserve funds; Thomas said the fair has options including local government contributions and its own reserves. Thomas told the committee the State Fair’s board provided documentation showing roughly $12 million held in reserves and that annual operating expenses are about $12 million.
A number of senators spoke in favor of moving the amendment forward, citing the fair’s nine‑day economic impact and year‑round use of the fairgrounds. Senator Burkhart said the State Fair “is a state agency and I think it's worth of a yes vote.” Senator Shibley registered opposition to the amendment on principle, saying the request was “excessive.” Senator Sigler disclosed that his employer provided cost estimates for the campground project and offered to be excused; the committee declined his request and permitted him to vote.
After debate, Senator Thomas moved the amendment; Senator Burkhart seconded. The committee approved amendment 1,001 and then voted to give the amended bill a do‑pass recommendation to the floor. The clerk recorded the committee vote on the amended bill as 13 yes, 1 no, 2 absent.
Why this matters: the committee’s action secures a one‑time state contribution to capital work at a facility used across the state, and it adds funding for cameras, paging and lighting intended to address crowd and perimeter safety at a large public event. Supporters said the improvements are intended to protect participants and visitors during the nine‑day fair and to expand the fairgrounds’ year‑round utility.
Ending: Senator Thomas will carry the amended Senate Bill 2009 to the floor. The committee made the amendment conditional on the 75%/$900,000 cap for the campground project and kept the standing premium awards appropriation.
