Grant County contracts for improvements to fairgrounds

EPHRATA — The Grant County commission Thursday contracted with a Wenatchee-based architectural firm, intending to spend an estimated $12 million improving infrastructure at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

The firm, The DOH Associates, PS, is to renovate the 4-H and Commercial buildings, upgrade the facility's water, sewer and electrical systems.

A new equine barn is to be built along with construction of two replacement barns.

During another phase, improvements are planned for the livestock-area restrooms, office and wash rack. A campground expansion, which includes a new restroom, is included in this phase along with upgrading the pavilion camp.

The commissioners said they gave Grant County Facilities and Maintenance Manger Vern Cummings all fairgrounds maintenance and facilities authority, in an effort to keep pace with the demands the entire undertaking is going to require.

Al Holman, fairgrounds operations manager, continues to oversee operations and associated demands of the fairgrounds.

The commissioners said they're pleased Cummings' expertise and construction oversight skills can be put to good use with this important improvement project.

— Staff report