County board to consider grant application for covered equine riding arena

County board to consider grant application for covered equine riding arena

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The Western Michigan Fair Association is moving another step closer to obtaining funding for a proposed $2 million covered equine riding arena at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Last December the Mason County Board of Commissioners approved backing a grant application and architecture fees. The fair board is seeking a $1,045,300 matching Spark grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. If received, the county will match that amount. 

During its regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, the board of commissioners will seek public input on the grant application. The commission is also expected to pass a resolution authorizing the fair association to hire the architect firm MCSA Group, Inc. to provide services to prepare the grant. The fair association will reimburse the county for the cost of the services. MCSA’s feeds will total $2,920. 

The fair association hosts several equestrian events during the summer, which provides a substantial income to the association, the fairgrounds and residual income to the local economy. 

The board of commissioners meets at 9 a.m. at the Mason County Airport Terminal, 5300 W. US 10. 

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