BISMARCK — County fairs would share in up to $3 million for infrastructure improvements under legislation heard by the House Agriculture Committee Thursday.

The Stutsman County Fair is 127 years old, Stutsman County Fair board member Rod Wilhelm told the committee.

“Our facilities are aging and we face challenges in maintaining and improving our infrastructure to meet the needs of our community,” he said.

Don Jelsing of Rugby, vice president of the Pierce County Fair, outlined plans to relocate the fair because of the need for more space, including space for the carnival, parking, a horse arena and pedestrian pathways.

“It’s investing in the future of our youth. We are investing in the future of our communities,” he said. “Good, usable fair buildings store memories. They hold educational dreams of families spending time together that will stay with not only our youth but adults also.”

Joan Wettlaufer, president of the Bottineau County Agricultural Society, submitted written testimony about the lack of funds for a makeover of the Bottineau County Fair’s Exhibit Hall.

“The metal exterior is in rough shape. Most of the sheets are damaged and lifting away from the structure, and the roof is deteriorating and leaking in our storage and display areas. The exterior doors need to be

repainted or possibly replaced as they no longer seal when shut,” she wrote. “Bottineau County Fair bought a set of bleachers from the N.D. State Fair when they were doing their grandstand renovation. Our hope is to eventually put a cover on this seating. A bid received approximately five years ago was over $250,000.”

Diane Schell, president of the McLean County Fair in Underwood, wrote about the immediate needs for additional bleachers, an ancillary fire suppression system for the food booth and updated restrooms. The fair board is planning the replacement of some barns.

North Dakota has about 30 county fairs. House Bill 1591 would provide County Fair Resiliency Grants of up to $100,000 to county fair associations through the North Dakota Agriculture Department. The department provided testimony regarding a 50% match requirement in its administration of the program, although that is not specified in the bill. Wilhelm testified that some counties would have difficulty providing a match.

The bill has the support of the North Dakota Farm Bureau, Farmers Union and Stockmen’s Association.