You’ve got to give the Cobleskill Fairgrounds credit.
And maybe supervisors will give them something more.
Like money.
Of the eight applications submitted for a second shot at ARPA monies, half came from the Fairgrounds.
Because any ARPA funds not committed by December 31 have to be returned, supervisors said in April that they’d consider projects submitted by May 20 for any remaining money.
Thursday, that deadline got softer with potentially, requests from the Town of Schoharie and Richmondville also “waiting in the wings.”
“I’m certain we will be collecting more projects,” said ARPA Committee chair Alicia Terry, and so there’s no need to set another deadline as they move ahead.
Of the $6 million Schoharie County received in ARPA funds, about $13,000 has been returned by projects that came in a little cheaper than expected.
There are also a couple of others whose future is in jeopardy, including some through the Mohawk Valley Greater Land Bank (see related storioes in this week's paper edition) and $200,000 set aside for a Tri-County Landfill Leachate project that’s also gone nowhere.
That money could be returned to the pot.
Also, at Thursday’s ARPA Committee meeting, County Treasurer Mary Ann Wollaber-Bryan said the ARPA monies have been generating interest: about $300,000.
That money appears to have fewer strings than the actual ARPA awards, said Ms. Wollaber-Bryan and consultant Steve Dyer, and could go into the general fund--or for the ARPA requests.
As for the Fairgrounds, “They’re clearly working on a capital improvement project and they get an A for effort,” said Ms. Terry, pointing out that they’d already been awarded $150,000 for a sewer extension—work that came in on time and under budget.
The four new projects:
• $100,000 for structural repairs and renovations to the Hall of Agriculture, including the demolition of the existing bathrooms to make way for an addition that would house a commercial kitchen for catered events.
• $100,000 for a grandstand renovation project, including a new concrete foundation, roof replacement and repairs, and the construction of a new roof over the uncovered bleachers.
The Cobleskill Agricultural Society will mark its 150th anniversary in 2026.
“Thought to be the oldest wooden grandstand in New York State, this historic structure needs some repairs and improvements to ensure it can last another 150 years,” the application reads.
• $30,000 to replace the EMS Building--a first aid and triage center during events at the Fairgrounds--and add two single-occupancy family-friendly bathrooms.
• $15,000 to expand Wi-Fi at the Fairgrounds.
Not only would better Wi-Fi benefit Fairgoers and vendors, it would eliminate “glitches” with the Fair ticketing and the online entry system now being used in the Horse Barn area, according to that application.