The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced on Mar. 16 a new County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant Program to support upgrades to water systems at county fairgrounds throughout the state. Eligible fairs can apply for grants through the MiAgGrants web portal by June 15.
The initiative aims to help county fairs provide safe drinking water and reliable wastewater systems for visitors and livestock. According to MDARD Director Tim Boring, “Michigan’s county fairs are more than events — they are longstanding traditions that celebrate our agricultural heritage, support local businesses and improve quality of life in our state.” Boring said the new grants will help fairs invest in infrastructure that serves millions each year.
The program offers individual awards up to $100,000 for projects such as water line replacement, sewage or septic upgrades, well drilling, municipal hookups, filtration systems, animal watering system improvements, and enhanced water storage. To qualify, applicants must be incorporated under Act 80 of 1855 or be a county-owned fair operating under Act 11 of 1929. They must also have submitted required reports for the previous three years; those leasing grounds need at least a five-year lease agreement.
According to the Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, there are 86 county fairs in Michigan drawing over 4.5 million attendees annually. The new grant program builds on two existing MDARD initiatives that have provided more than $7.9 million since 2019 for other fairground improvements such as grandstands and livestock barns.
MDARD plays a role in preserving the environment to support farming communities that supply consumer needs according to its official website. The department safeguards a food and agriculture system valued at nearly $126 billion according to its official website and focuses on fostering economic growth while protecting public health, animal welfare, and the environment according to its official website. It also enforces laws related to weights and measures and oversees commodity boards according to its official website.
Boring said these efforts will continue supporting local communities: “These new grants will support county fairs as they continue investing in infrastructure that provides safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater systems for millions of visitors and livestock each year.”
