By Meredith Gardner
meredith.gardner@theindependent.com

It's official: Starting in 2010, Grand Island will be the new home of the Nebraska State Fair.

Gov. Dave Heineman signed LB1116 into law late this morning at the Bosselman Conference Center at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island.

The hundreds in attendance at the event gave a standing ovation as the governor finished signing the bill and said, "The fair is moved!"

"With today's bill signing, we have created the opportunity of a lifetime for two very important institutions in our state — the Nebraska State Fair and the University of Nebraska," Heineman said just before the signing.

The move makes way for the construction of a university research and innovation park on the grounds of the current State Fair Park.

In the meantime, Grand Island leaders will be hard at work securing their $8.5 million share of the $42 million it will cost to move the State Fair.

"I'm just taking a deep breath," said former Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek. "I would hope that everyone today can enjoy the moment.

"The challenge is just beginning. The adventure is just beginning."