Illinois’ dismal finances are being blamed for the disrepair of the grandstand at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.
The Springfield Bureau of Lee Enterprises reports crews soon will begin making permanent fixes to the crumbling roof, which is dropping wood debris on the seats below. It’s part of a $60,000 emergency contract.
Illinois Department of Agriculture spokesman Jeff Squibb says the problems started when water began seeping under a rubber membrane on the roof and caused the wood to rot.
A Springfield company has been hired to make the repairs in time for the Illinois State Fair to begin in August.