Chippewa County Fairgrounds Grandstand Replacement Project
Project Overview
Kinross Charter Township seeks $5 million in federal funding to replace the critically deteriorated 1976 wooden grandstand at the 100-acre Chippewa County Fairgrounds in Kinross, Michigan (U.S. House District 1). Following a 2023 safety incident where a spectator fell through the stands, engineers mandated 60-70% capacity limits on the 1,800-seat structure and full replacement within five years. This project will deliver a modern 4,000-seat ADA-compliant all-weather grandstand with restrooms, concessions, press box, multipurpose room, and critical water/sewer upgrades.
Total Project Cost: ~$6 million
Local Match: $500K+ (Kinross Charter Township) + user group contributions
Why This Project Matters
- Economic Impact: Grandstand events generate $1M+ annually in tickets, vendors, lodging, and spending—core to rural Chippewa County's tourism/agriculture economy post-1977 Kincheloe Air Force Base closure (10,000 jobs lost).
- Public Safety: Eliminates immediate hazard; restores full capacity for demolition derbies, racing, 4-H shows, livestock auctions, and concerts.
- Community Benefits: Quadruples seating; enables year-round programming, agritourism growth, youth education, and vendor expansion.
Key Partners & Supporters
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Chairman Austin Lowes)
- Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (President Chris Olson)
- Chippewa County Fair (Secretary Barb Hillock)
- 4-H Council, Kinross Lions Club, Consolidated Community Schools
- User Groups: Midwest International Racing Association (MIRA, $2,000), Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club ($1,000)
- Chippewa County Road Commission, Eastern UP Regional Planning
MDARD Planning Grant Status
Submitted: October 2025 (RD-2026-Kinross Ch-0004)
Request: $56,000 (with $24,000 local match)
Scope: Site survey, geotechnical borings, preliminary engineering, bid-ready cost estimates
Timeline: June 2026 – December 2027 (18 months if awarded)
Outcome: Shovel-ready construction documents for Spring 2028 groundbreaking.
Phased & Scalable Approach
- Minimum ($1.5M): Demo + 2,000-seat structure + obsolete concessions removal
- Mid-Range ($3M): Full 4,000-seat grandstand w/ amenities (no utilities)
- Full Scope ($5M): Complete project + water/sewer infrastructure
Project Timeline
- 2026-2027: MDARD planning (surveys, engineering, bids)
- Spring 2028: Construction start (post-planning/funding)
- 12/31/2029: Project completion
Contact
Mark Rice, Township Supervisor
Kinross Charter Township
4884 W. Curtis Street, Kincheloe, MI 49788
(906) 495-5381 | mrice@kinross.net
This shovel-ready rural infrastructure project leverages local commitment with federal investment to sustain agriculture, jobs, and community vitality for decades.