OLYMPIA – Thurston County announced it has secured more than $1.25 million in combined federal and state funding to construct the Thurston County Fairgrounds Evacuation and Agricultural Center (TCF-EVAC). 

Championed by U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), TCF-EVAC received $1,015,000 in federal Community Project Funding for 2026, and $250,000 in state Fair Capital Grant funds from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

“This is a major win for our community,” said Tye Menser, Chair of the Board of Thurston County Commissioners. “It provides infrastructure to strengthen our community safety and resiliency in the event of an emergency, and it opens the door for economic development opportunities.”

He added, “This is yet another example of what partnership funding can do for our community, and we’d like to thank Rep. Strickland for her ongoing commitment to Thurston County.” Rep. Strickland was instrumental in helping the County acquire funding for the County’s Green Cove project which replaced a failing bridge while also reopening the waterway below the road for salmon migration. 

The combined federal and state funding will replace aging infrastructure at the County’s Fairgrounds with a modern, 20,000 square-foot multi-use facility designed to serve as a robust livestock emergency evacuation center and a year-round venue for agricultural and youth activities.

Rep. Strickland said she recognized a critical need to bolster rural resilience in the region. "This project directly addresses the need for an evacuation center for livestock and provides a much-needed year-round location for community events," said Rep. Strickland. "This investment, from all levels of government, will support our agricultural community for years to come.” 

In addition to the federal award, the Fairgrounds successfully secured a $250,000 Fair Capital Grant from the WSDA. This funding builds upon preliminary work already completed by the County, including demolition of the old barns and site clearing. 

With support from the Thurston County Farm Bureau, the Thurston County Economic Development Council, and Thurston County Emergency Management, the new building will:

• Enhance Emergency Preparedness: Serve as a designated haven for displaced cattle and livestock during natural disasters, leveraging existing fairgrounds infrastructure for efficient handling.
• Support Youth Agriculture: Provide a safe, dedicated space for the growing Thurston County Youth Market Animal Sale and housing for sheep, goats, and pigs during the Fair.
• Drive Economic Activity: Offer a versatile, weather-resilient space for community rentals, horse-riding arenas, and events year-round.

By layering state funds for the shell structure at the Fairgrounds with federal funds for the build-out, Thurston County is poised to deliver a facility that ensures the safety of the region’s agriculture while enriching the community for decades to come.

Thurston County Fairgrounds, located in Lacey, WA, serves as a hub for community celebration, youth education, and agricultural heritage. Home to the annual County Fair, the grounds operate year-round to support local events and emergency management needs.

Photo courtesy of Experience Olympia and Beyond