Construction on a new livestock/equine show arena and a covered practice ring began Oct. 13 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter (GNFA). Gov. Sonny Perdue, members of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, state and local elected officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 10.

“We’ve been working on this project for three and half years,” GNFA Executive Director Randy Moore said. “Participation is growing in our youth showing programs. This new facility will take care of our needs and give us a chance to grow our revenue.”

The expansion will establish a new east gate entrance for the fairgrounds and includes a new public restroom facility, east gate ticket booth and security building to serve the entire complex. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2009 Georgia National Fair. The new facilities have been designed by JMA Architecture, Inc., based in Perry, and will be built by International City Builders, Inc., based in Warner Robins.

“This is a capital project that is funded by bonds. While we’re cutting back statewide spending six percent this is a long-term investment that will pay dividends to the state and our future,” Gov. Perdue said. “This expansion is an investment in afterschool programs such as 4-H and FFA that prepare our youth to be lead. It’s good for tourism as it brings people from out of state to participate in these shows and exposes them to attractions they can see in Georgia. This facility is going to be locally designed and built, so that’s good for economic development.”

Building the almost 60,000 square foot show arena and almost 44,000 square foot practice ring will allow the GNFA to compete with facilities in Denver, Colo., Houston, Texas, and Louisville, Ky., for larger livestock and equine shows, GNFA Communications Director Michele Treptow said.

“Expanding will allow us to accommodate shows we’ve had to turn away because we couldn’t accommodate them,” Gov. Perdue said. “We have to plan for the future.”

The GNFA will host 61 livestock/horse shows this year, including the Paso Fino Horse Association Grand National Show.

“This facility sits in my district, but if you look at all the programs that go on in this facility, it’s important to the entire state and children all over the state,” said Georgia Sen. Ross Tolleson, chairman of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.