The St. Lawrence and Franklin County fairs will each receive $89,285 “to help promote agriculture through improvement and renovation projects,” according to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The money could also be used for new construction, according to the governor’s office.

A total $5 million has been divided equally among the state’s local fairs. To receive the funding, fairs must submit the scope of work and estimated budget for proposed projects. Projects must be submitted to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which is administering the program. The funding can be used to build, repair, replace, acquire, or install fairground buildings, facilities or equipment that are used to house or promote agriculture, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office said.

Once the department approves projects, a contract will be developed and completed through the New York State Grants Gateway. Projects must be finished and the awarded funds must be spent by March 31, 2021. Any money remaining after that date will be divided equally among the awardees, who can then submit plans for additional projects.

“Our state’s local fairs are more than just places to go to be entertained, they also provide opportunities for people to learn about the importance of agriculture through everything from seeing farm animals firsthand to enjoying local foods,” said Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, who is the Senate Agriculture Committee chair. “I was pleased to advocate for funding to make these upgrades possible, and am pleased that the Governor and Commissioner have recognized the importance of doing so. By providing local fairs with these resources, we are better positioning them to increase attendance, highlight New York’s leading industry and boost the economies in the regions where they are located.”