By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-985969.mp3
Northhampton, MA – An economic development project is underway in Northampton Massachusetts that is intended to boost regional tourism and the Massachusetts agriculture industry. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
The 38 million dollar project will redevelop Northampton's Three County Fairgrounds, home to the oldest continuously running agriculture fair in the country, into a year round multi-use exhibition facility. The plans call for the construction of an 80 thousand square foot exhibition hall and other new buildings, rehabbing or demolishing antiquated structures, improving parking, upgrading sound and electrical systems.
Phase one saw the construction of three 19 thousand square foot horse barns. Federal, state and local officials, inspected the buildings Monday. Massachusetts Lt Governor Timothy Murray said the four million dollars to build the new barns came from a 900 million dollar environmental bond bill.
The projected impact on the local and regional economy from the redevelopment of the Three County Fairgrounds would be substantial, according to Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan.
Founded in 1818, the Three County Fair Association is the oldest agriculture society in the country. The annual county fair over Labor Day weekend draws huge crowds. There are 14 horse shows held on the grounds during the year. For the last decade the fairgrounds has been the venue for the Paradise City Arts Festival , which puts it more in tune with Northampton's identity as a cultural destination.
Teri Anderson, Northampton's Director of Community and Economic Development says the redevelopment of the fairgrounds will allow it to retain its core business and hopefully attract new cultural shows.
Massachusetts Agriculture Commissioner, Scott Soares said the redevelopment of the fairgrounds will be a benefit to farmers in the region by giving them new facilities to show off and sell their products.
Jay Healey, the Massachusetts director for the US Department of Agriculture said he hopes local products are incorporated into the construction of the new fairgrounds.
The next phase of the project is the construction of an 80 thousand square foot exhibition center. The project managers are still seeking funding for it.