The director shall have the authority to make allocations from the state fair fund, including interest income under RCW 43.79A.040, exclusively as follows: Eighty-five percent to participating agricultural fairs, distributed according to the merit of such fairs measured by a merit rating to be set up by the director. This merit rating shall take into account such factors as area and population served, open and/or youth participation, attendance, gate receipts, number and type of exhibits, premiums and prizes paid, community support, evidence of successful achievement of the aims and purposes of the fair, extent of improvements made to grounds and facilities from year to year, and overall condition and appearance of grounds and facilities. The remaining fifteen percent of money in the state fair fund may be used for special assistance to any participating fair or fairs and for administrative expenses incurred in the administration of this chapter only, including expenses incurred by the fair commission as may be approved by the director: PROVIDED, That not more than five percent of the state fair fund may be used for such expenses.
The division and payment of funds authorized in this section shall occur at such times as the director may prescribe.
[2002 c 313 § 113; 1965 ex.s. c 32 § 2; 1961 c 61 § 6.]
Notes: Effective dates -- 2002 c 313: See note following RCW 15.65.020.