A major multi-million dollar development plan at the former Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia goes before the city council tonight (Tuesday) for final approval.
City manager De’Carlon Seewood is recommending that the council accept a $2.5 million grant from the state Department of Agriculture (MDA) to develop facilities at the former Boone County Fairgrounds to support the Boone County Fair. The council’s three-page packet notes Missouri lawmakers have already approved the $2.5 million in funding, which are aimed at building agri-tourism facilities at the former Boone County Fairgrounds, which is now known as Northeast Regional Park.
The city acquired the former Boone County fairgrounds in 2020 at a cost of zero dollars from Boone County. Mr. Seewood says some of the money would be used to build a new covered arena and a livestock barn, along with a fair office. The city says any remaining money would be used to build a lighted outdoor event space and a grandstand seating area.
