For the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, the new center will expand a role the property already serves during emergencies while adding another facility for community activities. Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar Fairgrounds

CHICO, CA (MPG) - Construction is underway on a new Community Resiliency Center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, a roughly 40,000-square-foot facility designed to serve Butte County during emergencies while providing space for community use throughout the year.

Fairgrounds officials broke ground Aug. 5 after nearly five years of planning, design and coordination with the state. Demolition and site work have started at the Chico fairgrounds.

“This is a milestone we've been working toward for a long time,” Silver Dollar Fairgrounds CEO Jeremi deOSio said. “Over the past five years, we've worked closely with the State through every phase of planning, coordination, design, and approvals to make this project possible. It's incredibly exciting to finally see construction begin and watch this vision become a reality.”

During emergencies, the center will support evacuation efforts, emergency operations and disaster recovery. Outside of emergencies, the building will provide space for community events, meetings, educational programs and other public uses.

The project is part of California's Fairground and Community Resilience Centers initiative, which followed the state's 2021 budget allocation of $150 million for improvements at fairgrounds and community facilities.

The statewide program focuses on facilities that can serve as evacuation sites and disaster response centers during wildfires, floods, extreme weather and other emergencies. Projects funded through the initiative can include emergency shelters, clean-air centers, backup power, community kitchens, showers and broadband infrastructure.

For the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, the new center will expand a role the property already serves during emergencies while adding another facility for community activities.

“The Silver Dollar Fairgrounds has always been more than just the home of the annual fair,” deOSio said. “This project reinforces our commitment to serving our community year-round.”

DeOSio said the center will allow the fairgrounds to host community events and support local organizations while providing a place for people during emergencies.

“Whether it's hosting community events, supporting local organizations, or providing a safe place during times of crisis, this facility will ensure we're better prepared to meet the needs of Butte County for generations to come,” deOSio said.

Fairgrounds officials said they will provide additional updates as construction progresses.