30 Years in the making, Union County Fair unveils sewer system and fairgrounds overhaul
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Over the past several years, a major project in the Union County community has gone from optimistic talks, vague designs, and legislative deadlock to a very real multi-million-dollar overhaul. What started as a hope for better plumbing and running water is now reality, as earlier this week the Union County Fairgrounds made an announcement celebrating the near completion of the long-awaited wastewater project, along with a few extra upgrades to accessibility.
For those unfamiliar with the project. Union County had long been seeking state support to fund the construction of a new, modern, water and septic system that would connect the fairgrounds to the City of La Grande’s system. During the 2025 legislative session, House Bill 5006 and Senate Bill 5531 provided $2,539,405 in lottery bond funding toward the project, which will be fully allocated in 2027. Ground was officially broken on the project on November 14, 2025, with construction currently nearing completion as the 2026 county fair closes in.
The full announcement from the Union County Fairgrounds is as follows:
(Release from the Union County Fairgrounds)
This week, as we welcome everyone to the Union County Fair, we’re excited to unveil one of the most significant infrastructure improvements in the history of our fairgrounds.
For more than 30 years, Fair Boards have worked toward the goal of replacing the aging sewer system. It was a project that many dreamed about, planned for, and pursued, but one that always seemed just out of reach. Thanks to the determination of countless individuals, organizations, and elected officials, that vision has finally become a reality.
After successfully passing the sewer inspection, this project is one step closer to completion and ready to serve our community for decades to come.
The transformation is remarkable. We have gone from sewer infrastructure that has been slowly failing for more than 20 years to a modern system designed to support the future of the fairgrounds. Prior to this project, the only functioning restroom facilities were located in the small Mt. Emily Building, limiting both the building’s layout and its ability to serve the growing needs of the fairgrounds. Through this project, those restroom facilities have been relocated and expanded within the building, creating a more functional space while significantly improving accessibility and usability. The project also includes new shower facilities, which will be completed following this year’s fair, and restored sewer service to the cabins, caretaker residence, and RV sites.
These improvements will benefit not only the annual Union County Fair, but also the many events, exhibitors, campers, and community organizations that use the fairgrounds throughout the year.
Projects like this are never accomplished by one person or one organization. They require vision, persistence, teamwork, and the support of an entire community. We know there are many people who have contributed over the years, and despite our best efforts, we may unintentionally miss someone. If we do, please know that your contributions are sincerely appreciated.
We would especially like to thank our local and state leaders who believed in this project, advocated for its importance, helped secure funding, and stood beside us throughout the process:
| Oregon State Legislature | Union County Commissioners | Commissioners Office Staff |
| Senator Todd Nash | Commissioner Paul Anderes | Shelley Burgess, Office Administrator |
| Representative Bobby Levy | Commissioner Matt Scarfo | Annette Powers, Senior Department Specialist |
| Commissioner Jake Seavert | ||
| Commissioner Donna Beverage | ||
| City of La Grande | Associated Design & Engineering | Anderson Perry |
| John O’Brien | Ralph Edwards | Chas Hutchins |
| Kyle Carpenter | Mike Lees | |
| Heather Rajkovich | Bill Ledbetter | |
| Robert Strope | Deb Cornford | |
| Becker Construction | All Phase Electrical | Overton Electric |
| Mike Becker | Aaron Romer | Ron Overton |
| Vicki Becker | Scott Leonard | Jason Hagie |
| Jarod Teeter | Jordan Alexander | Mykiah Lay |
| Bob Summerfield | Dawson Gaertner | Brandon Rynearson |
| Royce Jones | Larry Spears | |
| Joe Knight | Preston Roe | |
| Tom Hall | Matt Steele | |
| Anthony Briggs | Brad Sweet | |
| Mark Lowery | ||
| Ernest Christopher | ||
| Dustin Denton | ||
| Jason Jenson | ||
| Scott Burton | ||
| Fred Spain | ||
| Esteban Solis | ||
| Ed Swalberg | ||
| CJ Nelson | ||
| Johnny Kohl | ||
| Blake Carnine | ||
| Robert Brooks Painting | Columbia River Seed | Threemile Canyon / Grande Ronde Seed |
| Bob Brooks | Paul Hedgpeth | Bobby Waters |
| Tyler Brooks | Cody Gyllenberg | Lee Waters |
| Gabe Oliver | Dallin Iverson | |
| Shannon Bird | ||
| Shawn Nelson | ||
| Korry Jones | ||
| Jeff Roberts | ||
| Caleb Martin | ||
| Dayton Paul | ||
| Tim Christensen | ||
| Muilenburg Masonry | Challis Concrete | Roadside Construction |
| Rick Muilenburg | James Challis | Dan Hollinger |
| Nate Muilenburg | ||
| Action Plumbing | Valley Lawn & Landscape | La Grande Drywall |
| Dave Billings | Nelson Rohr | Billy Garrison |
| Ellis Rager | Jordan Brandt | Anthony Smith |
| Jesse Boob | ||
| Ne-Hi Enterprises | EONI | OTEC |
| Chato Martinez | Jeff Crews | Board of Directors |
| Shayla Rollins |
We also want to recognize the many Fair Board members who have served over the past three decades. While many are no longer serving, their persistence, planning, advocacy, and belief in this project kept the vision alive through years of challenges and setbacks. Every board built upon the work of those before them, and this accomplishment is just as much theirs as it is ours. We are honored to have carried their vision across the finish line, and we thank them for laying the foundation that made this day possible.
To every Fair Board member—past and present—county staff member, volunteer, contractor, engineer, business, elected official, and community partner who played a role in making this dream a reality, thank you.
This project is far more than new sewer lines and buildings. It is an investment in the future of the Union County Fairgrounds and a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision.
As we celebrate this year’s Union County Fair, we are proud to debut these improvements and look forward to seeing generations of fairgoers, exhibitors, campers, and community members benefit from them for decades to come.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in this project and helping make history at the Union County Fairgrounds.
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(Image originally posted by the Union County Fairgrounds)
