Lincoln willing to give up State Fair for research park

The growing prospect of losing the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island was described as a “victory for Lincoln’s economic future” by Lincoln leaders, with corn dogs and carnivals making way for research facilities and high-paying jobs. “This is absolutely a good swap,” Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler said. “We need the (research park). That’s our future.”

Moving the State Fair, established in 1868, from its longtime home was given a full head of steam when the Agriculture Committee voted 6-1 Monday to send the full Legislature a $42 million plan that would move the fair to Grand Island by 2010.

NU President J.B. Milliken said some companies already have voiced interest in locating to the Innovation Park, but recruiting would not begin until the bill becomes law. The bill is slated to go before the full Legislature on Thursday.