A Springfield-area state senator is pushing legislation to establish a private-public partnership to raise money for repairs at the state fairgrounds.

Andy Manar says many in the agriculture industry would get involved.

“I think what the bill would provide is a new mechanism for individuals, private entities, corporations and, businesses who are passionate about the State Fair and want to see repairs made to the fairgrounds.  It would provide a linkage or ways for those people to help out” says Menard.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture puts the estimate of back-logged maintenance at 30-million dollars.  The bill has cleared a committee and now heads to the full Senate for debate.