 "Photo: Teresa Prince")
On Wednesday, the Nebraska Legislature gave its final approval to move the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island, leaving State Fair Park open for the University of Nebraska to acquire.
Legislators voted 44-3 to approve LB1116, which requires the State Fair to relocate to Grand Island's Fonner Park by 2010.
Earlier this month, Sen. Phil Erdman of Bayard, the bill's sponsor, emphasized LB1116 represented an agreement between the State Fair Board, Grand Island and NU.
"Everyone is aware of what the possibilities may be," Erdman said.
The bill now needs Gov. Dave Heineman's signature, who has previously expressed his support for the move.
For a year and a half, NU officials and members of the 2015 Vision Group have expressed their desire to build a research and development campus, known as Innovation Park, at State Fair Park due to its close proximity to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber, one of the three opponents to LB1116, said earlier this month he would never support the bill.
"I still think the university is going to have a hard time getting money (to build Innovation Park)," Karpisek said.
As part of LB1116, the university will be required to pay $21.5 million of the $42 million needed to move the fair. The city of Grand Island will pay $8 million, $7 million will come from the Nebraska State Fair Board and the state will pay $5 million.
Erdman said the university's contribution will come from the NU Foundation.
Lawmakers also voted on Wednesday to change the make-up of the Nebraska State Fair Board. Under an Erdman-sponsored bill, UNL's chancellor and the chairperson of the Nebraska Arts Council will be removed as ex-officio members of the board, and be replaced by the state 4-H program administrator and the Nebraska Future Farmers of America's executive director.
katiesteiner@dailynebraskan.com
is a member of the 
