EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners awarded the bid for a new covered arena to a Moses Lake company.

Desert Development bid $436,384 to build the 140-foot by 220-foot building next to the Ardell Pavilion.

Twelve companies bid on the project.

The arena is part of a series of improvements at the fairgrounds, including new septic, water and electrical systems, a new 4-H building and new bathrooms.

The county recently completed moving Airway Drive, so it loops around the parking lot.

After the construction, the county had about $1.4 million left of the $12 million bond it took out to pay for the improvements.

Fairgrounds Manager Vern Cummings said the arena is going to provide the fairgrounds more space to hold shows, saying the Ardell Pavilion is often double or triple booked.

The building should be done by June, Cummings said.

“They let it all dwindle down because of the economy, so they do it one order at a time. Every piece is ordered out from the factory, brought in, manufactured, welded (it takes) six weeks for delivery,” he said.

Ordering won’t start until the structure is approved by the planning and building department, Cummings said, adding he is hoping the company starts by the end of April.