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Joint committee gives favorable review to State Fair’s $800,000 funding request for restrooms and risers
Summary
The Joint Committee on Capital Review on May 6 gave a favorable review to two funding requests from the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board totaling $800,000 — $400,000 to finish prefabricated restrooms at the Exhibit Building and $400,000 to replace arena risers — after staff described safety and accessibility needs and members pressed for clearer procurement analysis.
The Joint Committee on Capital Review on May 6 gave a favorable review to two funding requests from the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board totaling $800,000.
Nate Belcher of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee told the panel the State Fair is requesting "$400,000 each for 2 items," both of which had been initially approved at different funding levels in December 2024 and have returned with higher cost estimates. The two projects are additional funding to complete installation of prefabricated restrooms at the Exhibit Building and an infusion of $400,000 to replace risers at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Dale Adams, executive director of the State Fairgrounds, said he has been on the job about "100 days" and described the projects as urgent. He said the risers are roughly 35 years old and "shortly within the next couple years, they will be a safety hazard." On the increase in costs from the prior approval, Adams said vendors and a more thorough analysis produced higher estimates: "It's like, how does it double? ... but from what I'm seeing now, it certainly makes sense to do that." He also told the committee the new restrooms will be adjacent to spaces used during events such as the Maricopa County veterans stand down, increasing accessibility for attendees.
Committee members pressed for clearer procurement and cost analyses before agencies bring requests. The chair said agencies should avoid presenting items the committee is not prepared to implement immediately and asked departments to "do a better job [with] cost analysis before they come to this committee." Adams responded that the board understands and wants to get the work done as soon as possible.
Vice Chair moved that the committee give a favorable review of agenda item 10 for the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board. The chair called for a voice vote; the ayes carried and the committee ordered the favorable review. The record on the floor shows a voice vote; a roll-call tally was not provided on the transcript.
The committee concluded its business and adjourned, with the chair noting this may be the body's last meeting until the fall.
