For the third time, the Illinois State Fairgrounds Bill (SB 2903 and HB 4990) is on the agenda in Springfield. Director of Agriculture Raymond Poe, who lives just a few blocks from the Springfield fairgrounds, sponsored last year’s bill. He is hopeful for a different - and positive - outcome, thanks to renewed bipartisan support.

Poe spoke with Prairie Farmer about the foundation and whether or not Illinois will have an opportunity to refurbish the DuQuoin and Springfield fairgrounds used for so many events throughout the year.

PF: You've spent a lot of time in the Illinois legislature; what sort of odds do you give to this bill passing?

COLISEUM HOME: IDOA Director Raymond Poe confirms the 2016 Junior Livestock Champion Drives will again be held in the Coliseum.

Poe: A year ago this was my bill and we had good bipartisan support. It came out of the Senate unanimously and we couldn’t get Speaker Madigan to call it. But, this year, I feel a little better about it because the legislators are more informed and they like the idea of having private money come in and fix our fairgrounds instead of depending state money. Overall, I feel a little more optimistic.

Why wouldn’t speaker Madigan call last year’s bill for a vote?

Poe:  We never did figure that out for sure. Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) was my co-sponsor and he did everything he could to get that bill called and nothing happened. We need to sell this as private money helping the state out. There are several states around us that are already doing this (a foundation). We need to make sure we get our share to help our fairgrounds.

You mentioned other states already have similar foundations; which states and what’s the impact on their state fairgrounds?

HOPEFUL: IDOA Director Raymond Poe is optimistic the Illinois State Fairgrounds Bill will pass this year.

Poe: I talked to someone in Iowa last week and they say their fairgrounds are top notch. One of the main reasons is this foundation. I think Missouri and Indiana also have them. What they’ve been able to do is impressive, just with the cleanliness and maintenance. And when you look up and see the sponsors of those foundations, some of them (the sponsors) are based in Illinois or do business in Illinois.

What kind of funding could the foundation bring to the fairgrounds?

Poe: I know what we need. We need $180 million between the two fairgrounds. We know that won’t happen in the first year. But, I hope in 5 years we’ll have everything up and rolling and have a new face on these fairgrounds.

How would the foundation funding be divided between the two fairgrounds?

Poe: If we have a large donor down in DuQuoin, it’s common sense that money would go to that area. If we have a larger sponsor, like Monsanto, I’m sure the company knows where their business is at in Illinois, and they’ll want to make sure money is spent at both of them. So, everything is fluid right now and those are the things that will be decided once we have a board.

Is there anything different in this year's bill?

Poe: Not to my recollection, with one exception. We made some safeguards to make sure the private money (for the foundation) is outside the state, except funds received from public entities, and it's money that can't be spent (other than for the fairgrounds).

What are some examples of buildings and grounds maintenance that’s needed?

Poe: We have 20 roofs right here in Springfield that need fixed. We need more electrical upgrades, if you remember a few years ago, we had several issues. The grandstand is a multi-purpose arena, the concrete barriers on the west end need to be taken care of. The infrastructure on the roads is horrible. So, those are a few things to start with.

You mentioned other events besides the fairs held on the fairgrounds. How much revenue do those generate?

Poe: You know, these fairgrounds in Springfield and DuQuoin are used year round, and I think a lot of people forget about that.  From weddings to conventions, our fairground facilities are in high demand.  We host events like the Illinois Beef Expo, Illinois Products Expo, Street Machines Nationals, Rodeos, Car Races, etc. In fiscal year 2015, non-fair events brought in a little over $1 million.

With all the work that needs to be done, where do you start?

Poe: DuQuoin may be in a little better shape than here in Springfield. Every building needs maintenance. I don’t care which building it is, but it’s the general maintenance that we need to go back and catch up on.

What if the bill doesn’t pass?

Poe: We keep trying. And we’ll look to see if there are any other options.

How soon will it come up for a vote?

Poe: We’re hearing they will call it right after break (early April), but we’ve heard stuff like that before.

Let’s talk about the fair this year. Are there any changes planned for 2016?

Poe: We’re going to try and keep everything about where it was. I think Director Nelson made some good changes, putting the ag tent in the center on Main Street where everyone goes by it. We’re going to try and stick to those kinds of things and build off those successes from last year.

Will the junior livestock champion drive and sale take place in the Coliseum again?

Poe: Yes, everyone I talked to liked that. We’re not trying to change anything. We’re not coming in here with a big stick and cleaning house. We want everything to be smooth and everything to stay the same as last year, just maybe improve on a few things.

Anything else that you’d like to add about the foundation bill?

Poe: Just keep promoting it. We want everyone to be an ambassador for this bill.