https://www2.ljworld.com/news/county-government/2023/oct/10/county-commission-to-consider-approving-nearly-1-million-for-building-at-douglas-county-fairgrounds/ Douglas County commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday will consider approving nearly $1 million for the construction of a maintenance building at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. According to a memo from Jay Zimmerschied, the county's director of capital projects, a new maintenance/equipment facility is needed to replace the outdated 1960s structure at the fairgrounds, which Zimmerschied described as an "undersized" and "deteriorating pre-engineered metal building." Zimmerschied said that the existing structure lacks designated "safe areas" for storage of welding and power tools, has become overcrowded as personnel responsibilities have evolved over the past 50 years and also lacks restrooms. He said the proposed 5,000-square-foot building would increase storage capacity and allow for improved safety in the work area. Lawrence-based B.A. Green Construction Company was selected for the project at a cost of $959,200. B.A. Green's bid, despite being the lowest, still came in above the county's estimate, Zimmerschied said. That was largely due to "added scope" during the design process, he said, "specifically related to correcting existing site-conditions surrounding the proposed new structure and surrounding buildings." In other business, commissioners will: o Consider approving, in the consent agenda, a transportation amendment to Plan 2040. Both the Lawrence City Commission and Planning Commission have already unanimously approved the amendment, dubbed "Transportation 2050," the long-range plan guiding Douglas County's transportation system. o Hold a work session that provides an overview of a gap analysis report conducted by the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition. The analysis, according to agenda materials, is centered on a continuum of care, which refers to a collaborative approach to the funding and planning of services tied to homelessness. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As of May 31, 2023, an architect has been selected and confirmed. This project is in the design phase and seeking city approval but pending the building permit application. A firm timeline for construction has not been established. This project is included in the Douglas County fiscal year 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program. A detailed scope has not been released. New Maintenance shop for fairgrounds equipment and staff offices. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.