A subrecipient agreement was approved and signed by members of the Marshall County 4-H Fair Board Association this week. The agreement is between the fair board and the Marshall County Commissioners that outlines the responsibilities of ownership and funding associated with a proposed multi-use building to be constructed on the fairgrounds in Argos.
The proposed structure is an 8,000 square foot steel frame building that will feature drywall and concrete flooring. It will accommodate a seating capacity up to 400 people. There will be 4,400 square feet of open space to hold wedding receptions or other large gatherings, a 30-person meeting room in the front of the building and regular building features such as a kitchenette and restrooms.
The county commissioners agreed to be a pass-through entity in support of the acquisition of a Community Development Block Grant through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs in the amount of $500,000 to fund the project. The fair board will fund the $300,000 match with $55,000 in cash donations through fundraisers, $30,000 in funds from the Marshall County Community Foundation, and a $10,000 donation from the Town of Argos. The remaining funds will be supplied by a bank loan secured by the fair board.
While the county will not be putting forward any funding toward this project, the county will have co-ownership of the building for seven years when constructed and provide the insurance costs to the building.
The grant application is due Friday, Sept. 1. The 4-H fair board members should know if they are recipients of the grant in mid-October. If they fail to win in this first round of grants, they will apply for the second round.
If successful, the bid award for construction would be set for April 2018 with construction to follow the 4-H Fair in July. The building is anticipated to be complete in December with scheduling availability in January.
