The Schoharie County Sunshine Fair expects to use its share of the $5 million promised by New York State for critical infrastructure improvements for foundation work at its cattle barn.
Each of the state's 56 local fairs is eligible for up to $89,265 to help offset the cost of improvement and renovation projects, including new construction.
Though the projects themselves must be approved, fairs don't have to apply for the grants.
All fundS must be spent by March 31, 2021.
Any money left after that will be divided equally among the awardees, who then can submit plans for additional projects.
Doug Cater, president of the Sunshine Fair, said the money, announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo last month, can be used for any ag-related improvements.
"We took a look and where we felt we can use it most is the cattle barn, really, the foundation," Mr. Cater said, pointing out that it saw considerable damage from flooding during Hurricane Irene, including shifted peers.
The Fair Board is in the process of getting estimates for the work, Mr. Cater said.
If the cost of the foundation work comes in at less than $89,265, he said the remainder could go for electrical improvements, also at the cattle barn.
Initially, Mr. Cater said, there was some concern over how the $5 million would be divided with some smaller fairs afraid they'd be left out of the process.
"I'm pleased to see that it ended up with everyone eligible," he said.
Mr. Cater said he hopes the work will begin in 2018.
According to the Governor, the money can be used "to build, repair, replace, acquire, or install fairground buildings, facilities, or equipment that are used to house or promote agriculture.
State Ag Commissioner Richard Ball of Schoharie said he looks forward to seeing how the funding enhances local fairs.
"For years, many of the state's local fairs struggled to make the necessary improvements to stay up-to-date and attractive to visitors," Commissioner Ball said.
"This funding will help mitigate those challenges and provide better opportunities to spotlight the state's diverse and exceptional agricultural community."