Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Colfax — A plan is underway to remodel and expand the R.V. park at the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds from 82 spots to almost 140.
In a discussion with county commissioners Monday, Bill Tensfeld, fair director, said it would take an estimated $300,000 – which county commissioners have previously budgeted for – to move an exit road 100 feet, replace all electrical and water lines (updated to current code), improve drainage, take out stumps from trees cut down two years ago, add some fencing and hydo-seed new grass.
Reasons cited for the project by Janel Goebel, fair manager, include safety, in regards to the aging electrical work, and demand for camping, both during the fair and otherwise.
The waiting list each September during fair week ranges from 20 to 40 groups wanting a spot in the park. Aside from adding to the sheer number of sites, the remodeling would make for 20 year-round, graveled slots.
“We’ve got room to put more spots if we can come up with the funding to do it,” said Tensfeld.
Other than the fair, the RV park has seen use traditionally during hunting season, on WSU football game weekends and for youth athletic tournaments.
No timeline has been set for the remodeling, with the next step to gather bid estimates on costs.
The county’s contribution to the project would come from its .09 fund, supplied by state sales tax. In 2019, county .09 money paid for a new rodeo grandstand at the fairgrounds. Commissioner Art Swannack noted that the fund now has $3.3 million in it.
The RV park remodeling may or may not happen in time for a 2021 fair.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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