Sedalia, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today visited the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia to announce nearly $4 million in upgrades to the property, which is being made possible through the Build Missouri initiative called for by the Governor in his State of the State Address, and passed with bi-partisan support in the General Assembly this year.

“The Missouri State Fair is an enduring tradition and the premier agricultural showcase for our state, and we have a responsibility to leave these fairgrounds better than we found them,” Gov. Nixon said.“These upgrades, made possible thanks to our strict fiscal discipline and the bipartisan work in the General Assembly, will improve the fairgrounds and ensure that they continue to showcase the very best of Missouri agriculture now and for generations to come.”
At the Missouri State Fair Womans Building, which was built in 1910, the upgrades will include removing and replacing the roof and exterior windows, renovating restrooms and interior finishes, repairing, replacing and upgrading the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, and making the building more accessible for Missourians with disabilities. These improvements will also make the upper floors of the building, which are currently closed due to their poor condition, available for future use. This project will be funded with more than $1.3 million in proceeds from the Build Missouri initiative.
At the Missouri State Fair Coliseum, which was built in 1906, the upgrades will include repairing the roof and gutters, repairs to the masonry, repainting exterior wooden surfaces, replacing siding, repair or replace exterior door frames, replacing exhaust fans, replacing handrails on ramps, replacing wheelchair lift, removing and replacing concrete floors, and updating exit and emergency lighting. This project will be funded with more than $1.5 million in proceeds from the Build Missouri initiative.
Additionally, there will be $1 million in upgrades to the utilities system in the West Campgrounds, funded through the state’s Facility Maintenance Revolving Fund.
Build Missouri is a capital improvements initiative that will fund nearly 500 projects in every corner of the state through bond proceeds and other sources.  Build Missouri includes bond proceeds for repairs and renovations at state facilities, veterans homes, state parks and higher education campuses, and for the completion of a new state-of-the-art mental hospital in Fulton along with non-bonding sources for other projects, including conservation areas, highway patrol facilities, and other facilities.
As a result of a strong record of fiscally responsible budget management, Missouri has a AAA credit rating from all three major rating agencies. This allows the state to benefit from low interest rates, and makes long-term capital investments more affordable.  For example, Missouri taxpayers will save $30 million over the life of these bonds compared to a state with an A- rating.
The 113th Missouri State Fair, themed “Show Offs Welcome!” will be held Aug. 13-23 in Sedalia. For more information about concerts, events and other Fair activities, please visit mostatefair.com.
(Courtesy of Missouri State Fair)

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