Ag Center to get new horse barn

Published 4:28 pm Tuesday, April 8, 2008

By Staff
New facility expected to attract even more equestrian events to area
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
A new barn for the Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston is expected to bring additional revenue to Martin County and surrounding environs, according to county and center officials.
The center held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 29,000-square-foot barn on Thursday. The new barn, known as Barn Unit 3, will have 152 permanent horse stalls, two heated wash bays, restrooms and shower facilities. The barn is being built to attract larger equestrian-related competitions and events to the center.
The center, which sits on a 168-acre site, has had a positive economic impact on the Martin County community since it opened in 2000, according to county and center officials.
Martin County Manager Russell Overman believes the center has helped neighboring businesses. He also believes expansion of the center’s facilities will bring in more revenue for these companies.
Hurst has been witness to the center’s influence on the area’s economy.
Although the economy may be headed toward a recession, Adams said she too has seen the center’s positive effects on the local economy. She attributes some of those effects to the increase in the number of equestrian competitions held at the center.
The center consistently hosts equestrian events and shows, according to center manager Durward Taylor.
The addition of 152 permanent horse stalls will bring the overall number of temporary and permanent stalls to 616. The new stalls will be a welcome addition to the center, according to Overman.
Plans for the new barn have been in the works since the center opened in 2000, but funding for the new barn was just recently put in place.
Construction of the building has been put on hold while arrangements to finance the project are worked out.
Hurst believes that expansion is necessary for the center.
Overman looks forward to the completion of the new barn.
The building is set to be completed by summer 2009.