New ventures on the horizon at Webb County Fairgrounds

WEBB COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - What originally started as renovations at the Webb County Fairgrounds is quickly turning into something much bigger. With hopes of bringing growth to the area, the Fairgrounds is opening its doors to new developments.

There has been much discussion about the changes coming to the historic site, which will be rebranded as "1848." Along with this new name, significant renovations are underway.

Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina says they are already seeing a positive return on the investment into 1848. "This is an opportunity to bring more heads and beds. You know we get taxes from the hotel and motel fund because the more people we have in the beds, the more we get," Tijerina explained.

The county is currently working to bring a hotel near the Fairgrounds and a restaurant on the grounds. Judge Tijerina emphasized that the addition of the hotel will also be an excellent source of revenue for the county through a public-private partnership (PPP). A PPP is an agreement between a government agency and a private company to finance, build, and operate a project.

This will also be an opportunity for local businesses to open up near an entertainment venue. Tijerina noted that the contract for the restaurant has already been awarded to a Laredo business.

"Most importantly, we don't have the means to go out and get extra money like the city of Laredo does. We can only do what the state of Texas authorizes us – so a lot of times it's only taxes, oil, and gas," Tijerina stated.

The Fairgrounds have long served as a gathering place for celebrations. Tijerina says these new projects are the first steps toward attracting larger crowds. He hopes the renovations to the Fairgrounds will be completed in the next five years.

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