MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A proposed building at the Wadestown Fairgrounds to replace the existing 95-year old building is receiving funding from the Monongalia County Commission.
Monongalia County Commission announced that they will allocate approximately $200,000 to help build a 11,500 square foot barn on the grounds that host the Battelle District Fair. The wood framed building will be steel skinned and will include large livestock ring and other amenities to host FFA or 4-H events.
“We made an announcement, that we were putting immediately $100,000 into the building, the new building and the materials, so that they can immediately start on that,” said Commissioner Tom Bloom on the allocation.
The total cost of the building is about $500,000 and will be equipped with utilities and wifi to increase public use. The project is also receiving a $60,000 contribution courtesy of the local Economic Development Assistance Grant and $50,000 from the Clay-Battelle FFA Alumni Association. Bloom, also announced additional funds to be allocated from the Commission for additional construction.
“And then also we were willing to give another $100,000 that we are going to put in, so we can get this building done hopefully by next year,” Bloom said.
The construction of the shell of the new Wadestown Fairgrounds barn, costs approximately $278,000 and will use the majority of the donated funds to complete the project. The rest of the cost, is being paid for with the help of private contributions.
“It was different people from different gas companies and other places that are offering money, and the money is coming in,” he said.
Initial construction of the new building is scheduled for completion in 2023. When completed, the expanded barn is expected to allow for more event space in a goal to increase tourism and community to the Wadestown Fairgrounds. With the help of amenities to host 4-H activity, the fairgrounds has the opportunity for an expanded audience supported by modern structures.
“They were very, very appreciative of not only thinking about the area, but what it could do for the future of the school system and economics,” Bloom said.