Group: Natural Resources, Agriculture, & Environment

Agency: Agriculture

Line Item: Utah State Fair Corporation

Function

The purpose of the corporation is to run the State Fair and other events on the fairgrounds year-round. The State Fair is an 'independent public nonprofit corporation' (UCA 9-4-1103) that operates the fair and fairgrounds year round. Subject to approval of the board of directors, the corporation may hold other exhibitions that, in its opinion, will best stimulate agricultural, industrial, artistic, and educational pursuits and the sharing of talents among the people of Utah. Utah's first State Fair was held in 1856, just nine years after the pioneers arrived.

The Fairpark was privatized in 1995 based on the recommendations of a study committee directed to find a way to help the Fairpark become self-sufficient. However, the legislation allowed the new corporation to receive annual appropriations from the state until it could become self-sufficient. The state leases all 64 acres of Fairpark property to the corporation for $10 per year.

Statutory Authority

The following laws govern Utah State Fair Corporation

• UCA Section 9-4-1103 defines the powers and the legal status of Utah State Fair Corporation
• UCA Section 9-4-1104 defines the terms, membership, and quorum of the Board of Directors
• UCA Section 9-4-1107 specifies the creation, revenues, and uses of the Enterprise fund
• UCA 63A-5-306 covers the leasing of state fair park

Intent Language

Under the terms of 63J-1-603 of the Utah Code, the Legislature intends that appropriations provided for Utah State Fair Corporation in Item 196, Chapter 396, Laws of Utah 2009, shall not lapse at the close of FY 2010. Expenditures of these funds are limited to: Current Expense $20,900; Computer Equipment/Software $10,000; Building & Grounds Maintenance $36,000; Other Contractual & Professional Services $20,000; Weather Provision $15,000; Special Projects/Studies $30,000; Equipment/Supplies $20,000.

Funding Detail

The Legislature assigned the State Fair appropriations process to the Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee at the end of the 2003 General Session. Funds are appropriated to the Department of Agriculture and Food for pass-through to the corporation.

Since 1995 the corporation has attempted various ways to increase revenues. These include having private groups build a science center, aquarium, and amphitheater, and bonding to construct a large multipurpose arena and sports facility. For various reasons these proposals have all fallen through. Other ideas, such as selling the property and moving the fair, have also been reviewed.