Springfield – State
Representative Randy Frese (R-Paloma) commended the launch of a new
not-for-profit Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation which will build capital
improvements at the Springfield and DuQuoin fairgrounds. Governor Bruce Rauner
helped unveil the foundation on Agricultural Day at the Illinois State Fair.
The Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation,
established by leaders within the agricultural community, will be overseen by a
volunteer board representing a diverse cross section of the agriculture
industry. In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, board members will
build relationships with private sector businesses and individuals to develop
strategies that raise private funding for the State fairgrounds, which combined
carry $180 million in deferred maintenance costs.
Rep. Frese stated, “This foundation will
be a great benefit to Illinois’ taxpayers and agricultural industry, as it will
make the fairgrounds less reliant on state money while giving the care of its
agricultural legacy to people that take great pride in that legacy. I applaud
this move to keep the fairgrounds in good shape so that generations of
Illinoisans will have a venue to enjoy Illinois’ best products.”
The Illinois State Fairgrounds in
Springfield includes more than 170 buildings spanning 360 acres of land, with
buildings as old as 124 years. The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds includes more
than 20 buildings spread across over 1200 acres of land, with buildings as old
as 93 years. Many of the buildings on both fairgrounds are in dire need of restoration,
including paint, plumbing, roofing, and structural repairs.
