WASHINGTON CO. EXPO RELEASES 30-YEAR MASTER PLAN

  

The Washington County Expo has released its vision for further development of the fairgrounds.

During the Washington County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Expo Director Harrison Williams discussed some of the specifics of the 30-year master plan, which is now posted online for the public to view on the Expo’s website, www.washingtoncountyexpo.com.

The long-term plan, created in-house in conjunction with data from a market study performed by Hunden Partners out of Chicago, analyzes the current facilities at the Expo, provides recommendations for how and when those amenities should be enhanced or replaced, explores opportunities for expansion, and shows cost projections associated with the upgrades.

Williams said the Expo wants to increase the amount and the type of events it can accommodate, but he is aware that goal cannot be reached right away.  Instead, a path must be laid out for controlled growth over a reasonable timeline.

According to the master plan, the estimated project costs for continuing to develop the Expo at the existing site are $141.3 million, including $112.7 million in construction costs and $28.6 million in soft costs.  Williams said the estimates serve to evaluate potential improvements and their feasibility, and they do not reflect any current commitments.

Commissioner Candice Bullock cautioned that while the numbers are “scary”, it does not mean the county will try to take care of all of them with one large bond measure.  Williams said outside sources of funding are available and will be pursued to address the recommended improvements.  

The report also states that moving forward with the upgrades could greatly benefit the local economy.  The project is estimated to create more than $1.2 billion in net new spending, $382 million in net new earnings and 234 net new full-time equivalent jobs.

Some of the recommendations for improvements include an indoor arena seating 5,000, a total of 1,700 animal pens or stalls, a 2,500-capacity amphitheater, 30,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, 20,000 square feet of ballroom space, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and additional parking. 

The possibility of relocating to alternate locations was also evaluated, examining sites along Highway 290 or Highway 36, but the report indicates the cost involved would add roughly $20 million to the initial projections for developing at the existing site.

Williams invites public input on the master plan, which has a feedback portal available on the website to submit comments, questions or requests to meet in person to discuss the project further.  He also said he can meet with visitors at the upcoming county fair.