The Nebraska State Fair Board has given the go-ahead to spend $10,000 on a preliminary site plan for the fair's new home in Grand Island.

Board President Jerry Fitzgerald of Gering says that when the fair moves from Lincoln by 2010, it will be starting from scratch. So, the board wants to make sure the new venue fits the fair's needs.

The Lincoln site that has been home to the fair for 107 years will be handed to the University of Nebraska for a so-called research park. Officials envision a mix of public and private research facilities that will bring high-tech jobs to the state.

Under state law enacted this year, the university will pay about half the $42 million cost of moving the fair. Grand Island will contribute $8.5 million; the fair board, $7 million; and the state, $5 million.