GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Changes are coming to the Mesa County Fairgrounds; county officials are already working to get grants for construction.

The Mesa County Commissioners listened to a presentation this morning from fairground officials, who are applying for several grants through Great Outdoors Colorado.

The new fairgrounds plan includes improved facilities; including one specifically designed for horse and livestock shows.

Officials say such shows are a big economic boost to the area.

"When we have big horse shows, folks bring their trailers and all their people and stay for several days in our community and that's where they're spending money at our restaurants, at our hotels, and it just benefits everybody," said Jo Carole Haxel, Mesa County Fairgrounds manager.

Officials will know if they received the grant this June.

If they get it, construction will start quickly, and could be done in the spring of 2014.