Warrick County Council approves $450,000 EDIT grant for new fairgrounds pavilion; extra $50,000 to be considered next month

The Warrick County Council voted to grant $450,000 in EDIT funds toward constructing a new livestock pavilion at the county fairgrounds, with council members agreeing to consider an additional $50,000 at next month's meeting.

Steve Raleigh, an economic development staff member, presented the project and said the current animal barn (originally built in 1962) has outlived its useful life. Raleigh said the proposed replacement would be larger (about 140 by 210 feet), built on the same footprint, and include new electrical work, improved drainage, a PA system, lighting, higher ceilings and restrooms. "This project's expected to be around $600,000," he told the council, and asked for $450,000 from EDIT funds contingent on the organization (referred to in the packet as "4") documenting the remaining private or grant funding.

Council members debated matching a prior $500,000 EDIT award to Ohio Township but staff explained the county typically tailors awards to project size and need; one member asked to raise the county contribution to $500,000 in parity with the township gift. Because the $450,000 amount was what had been advertised on the agenda, council members approved that amount by motion and added that the remaining $50,000 would be placed on next month's consent agenda so the total county support could reach $500,000 if approved then. The motion passed by roll call, with all present voting yes.

Raleigh said the county owns the fairgrounds and that the project is intended both to support the longstanding local organization (established in 1954) and to improve a county facility for year-round programming. Council recorded the motion as carried 7-0; staff said they will prepare the standard agreement and milestone protections for county funds.