Contracts awarded for fairgrounds improvements
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Renovations planned for the Grant County Fairgrounds this summer will change the current configuration of water and electrical connections in close proximity on the fairground's center field.
MOSES LAKE — Work is getting underway at the Grant County Fairgrounds, with contracts awarded for three projects at the property’s south end.
The improvements are in an area called center field, between the Moses Lake Roundup grounds and the row of nonprofit food booths. Vendors set up in center field during the Grant County Fair. Its electrical and irrigation systems will be replaced, and a paved path will be added around the perimeter.
Quality Paving, Moses Lake, was awarded a $45,000 contract for the paving work. Neppel Electric, Moses Lake, received the contract for the electrical reconfiguration. The company’s bid was $26,000. KJs Lawn Care, Ephrata, was awarded a $24,951 contract for the irrigation system.
The existing water and electrical hookups will be removed. The new electrical system will be reconfigured to make it easier for vendors to use, and the irrigation system will be moved to the edges of the field. It will be hooked up to an existing well on the grounds. The paved path will circle the field and is designed to improve Americans with Disabilities Act access.
Grant County Central Services director Tim Gaines said in an earlier interview that the work should be completed before the Grant County Fair.
The campgrounds at the fairgrounds are still closed, even after Gov. Jay Inslee modified some restrictions on outdoor activities imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Inslee removed some restrictions Monday on fishing, golfing and use of state parks and state lands, effective May 5.
Camping was not included in that order, and there’s no indication when campgrounds might reopen.
“It’s a daily guessing game,” fairgrounds director Jim McKiernan said.
Fairgrounds officials are hoping camping will be allowed by Memorial Day.
The statewide restrictions on movement and business are in place through May 4, unless Inslee extends them. Fairgrounds operators are waiting to hear what he has to say, “and then we’ll re-evaluate what we’ve got to do,” McKiernan said.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].