Erdman encourages involvement in State Fair

State Sen. Philip Erdman is responding to supporters of LB1116 -- the State Fair relocation bill -- with an update and a little positive push.

Erdman chairs the Legislature's Agriculture Committee and crafted and shepherded LB1116.

He sent an e-mail Tuesday morning to members of the Hall County Board of Supervisors, thanking them for their input during the legislative session. The board had sent an e-mail in April in support of relocating the State Fair to Grand Island by 2010.

"As you are aware, the Legislature ultimately gave its endorsement to a negotiated solution between the Fair Board, University (of Nebraska) and others to relocate the State Fair to an expanded Fonner Park facility in Grand Island contingent upon certain parties meeting promised financial commitments to underwrite cost of investments to accommodate the fair in that location," Erdman's e-mail stated.

The total fair relocation cost is $42 million, of which the community of Grand Island is to contribute $8.5 million.

"We are now in the planning stages, and I am aware that groups are actively engaged in moving the relocation process forward," Erdman said.

"I welcome the Hall County board's participation and am looking forward to realizing possibilities for a brand new start and a great State Fair in partnership with the people and community of Grand Island and Hall County," Erdman's e-mail continued. "Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or ideas for assisting the implementation of LB1116."

Erdman told The Independent that he literally had received "hundreds and hundreds" of messages on the State Fair and has been working to respond personally to each one. He suspended contact during a recall petition effort against LB1116. That petition effort failed on July 16, and Erdman resumed responding to those people who had contacted him regarding the State Fair.

"I'm just encouraging them to continue the involvement," Erdman said of his letters and e-mails to supporters.

But the local State Fair committee appreciates the senator's effort.

"I think it's admirable that Sen. Erdman continues to feel responsible that the relocation goes through," said Cindy Johnson, president of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and co-leader on the local relocation effort. "He's on top of every aspect."

Erdman said he's merely providing the legislative oversight for LB1116 to be carried out.

"The responsibility is in the entities," Erdman said. "I'm encouraged by the leadership shown locally."

Erdman complimented the local committee in his e-mail message to the county board.

"During the session, Grand Island representatives exhibited considerable leadership and competence and a welcoming attitude that was instrumental in the Fair Board selecting Fonner Park as an attractive location for the state's premier exhibition event," he said.