Brazos County approves $3.5 million for Expo Center repairs.

Brazos County commissioners approved $3.5 million for phase one renovations at the Brazos County Expo Center, focusing on a new standing-seam roof to stop leaks; officials said work is hoped to begin in February.

The Brazos County Expo Center will undergo phase one of renovations after county commissioners approved a $3.5 million contract for work at the Leonard Road complex. Officials identified the facility's 18-year-old roof as the most urgent concern. They plan to replace it with a standing-seam roof to avoid exposed screws that have caused leaks. The project will also address concrete damage linked to the area's shifting clay soils. Key details: - County commissioners approved $3.5 million for phase one renovations at the Brazos County Expo Center. - The most critical task is replacing the 18-year-old roof with a standing-seam system to eliminate exposed screws and reduce leaks. - The renovation will include repairs to concrete affected by local clay soils that shift and heave. - The Expo Center hosts about 150 events across roughly 450 event days annually and supports youth programs, including the annual youth livestock show each March. - Expo general manager Jacqueline Foster reported the facility generated $66 million in economic impact for the community in 2024, and officials hope work will begin in February. Summary: The approved funding launches phase one of a multi-part renovation intended to extend the Expo Center's service life and address recurring maintenance issues. Work is expected to begin in February under the new contract, and officials say the roof replacement and concrete repairs will improve reliability for the facility's regular events and youth programs.