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Josephine County approves $1 million HB5204 grant to support horse-racing facility improvements
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a $1,000,000 grant agreement under House Bill 5204; Recreation Director Tamra Martin said the county will act mainly as a pass-through while the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association operates racing and the Oregon Racing Commission oversees project approvals.
Recreation Director Tamra Martin told the board on June 23 that House Bill 5204 provides $1,000,000 for counties that host horse-racing activities and that Josephine County’s role will be primarily administrative because racing is operated by the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association.
Martin said eligible projects include improvements to race-related facilities such as restroom upgrades beneath the grandstands and drainage work; she emphasized that the Oregon Racing Commission retains approval authority for specific project expenditures. Commissioners said continued racing activities help the Fairgrounds by generating lease revenue and public attendance.
Commissioner Colene M. Martin moved to approve the HB5204 grant agreement and Commissioner Gary L. Richardson seconded; upon roll call the motion carried 3-0. The board’s action authorizes county staff to execute the grant agreement and administer pass-through funds consistent with state oversight.
The transcript records no specific project contracts or timelines beyond the general categories of eligible work; the Recreation Director said the county would coordinate with the Oregon Racing Commission and the Southern Oregon Horse Racing Association on project approvals.
