Thurston County is on the move to construct a multifunctional Evacuation and Agricultural Center, securing a significant funding boost of more than $1.25 million from federal and state sources. The Thurston County Fairgrounds will soon be home to this new 20,000-square-foot facility aimed at strengthening community safety, economic development, and agricultural practices. According to a news release from Thurston County, the project was championed by U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland and promises to offer a year-round venue for various uses, including emergency livestock evacuation.
With federal Community Project Funding amounting to $1,015,000 and an additional $250,000 in state Fair Capital Grant funds from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, this initiative aims to not just replace outdated infrastructure but also to deeply invest in the region's agrarian resilience. In a statement made by the Thurston County website, Tye Menser, Chair of the Board of Thurston County Commissioners, expressed gratitude, saying, "This is a major win for our community," and highlighted the importance of partnership funding in achieving such milestones. Rep. Strickland also noted that the project would "support our agricultural community for years to come."
The funds are set to be utilized for the construction of a building that can host activities like the Thurston County Youth Market Animal Sale and serve as a sanctuary for livestock during natural disasters. The Fairgrounds had already begun preparations by demolishing old barns and clearing the site, as per Thurston County. Existing infrastructure will also be leveraged to efficiently handle emergencies as they arise. The Fairgrounds attract year-round activity and are essential for the annual County Fair, which fosters community celebration and youth education while preserving the agricultural heritage of the region.
Community support seems broad, with the Thurston County Farm Bureau, the Thurston County Economic Development Council, and Thurston County Emergency Management all backing the new facility. The proposed building is designed to enhance emergency preparedness, support youth agriculture, and drive economic activity. It will provide a versatile, weather-resilient space that can be rented out for various events, including horse-riding arenas. “This investment, from all levels of government, will support our agricultural community for years to come,” Rep. Strickland told Thurston County in an interview.
