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MIAMI (CBSMiami) — Voters gave the go ahead to the expansion of Florida International University onto the Miami-Dade County Youth Fairgrounds.

In response to the results, the Head of the Fair, Bob Hohenstein, released a statement saying, “We congratulate FIU on the approval of an exemption from the Chapter 7 restrictions of the Miami-Dade County Charter. This issue is of great importance to FIU, since it removes a legal obstacle to its planned expansion. In the larger picture, it is a procedural step in a long process. We will continue to work closely with our landlord, Miami-Dade County, under the terms and provisions of our lease, as this process unfolds. As always, we remain open to a resolution that would provide for the continued long-term success of our community’s Youth Fair and our Fair Exposition business and would allow FIU to fulfill its goals. We now will concentrate on our most important tasks, planning for a magnificent 2015 Youth Fair and future Youth Fairs for many, many years to come along and ensuring the success of our Fair Exposition business.”

The land that was in question was 86 acres. FIU wanted 64-acres of it.

“The voters have spoken and they have said ‘Yes’ to FIU,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “We are thankful for the support of Miami-Dade voters, including FIU students, alumni, faculty, staff and the entire FIU family. We also would like to thank the county commission and Mayor Carlos Gimenez and his staff for their hard work and the vision they have shown for the future of FIU and Miami-Dade County.”

Now, FIU can expand to add an additional 10,000 students.

Fair officials fought the plan.

Hohenstein, said a study shows it will cost $230 million to move its location and they have nowhere to go. But FIU President Mark Rosenberg said it will actually cost more like $40 to $50 million.

READ: A Breakdown Of The Battle Over FIU’s Expansion Onto Fair Grounds

“There are no sites for us to relocate to,” said Hohenstein.” The one we were most interested in, FIU said was too expensive.”

Rosenberg said they had they’ve identified 24 locations for the fair to move to.

He also said the expansion will create a number of additional jobs and have have an economic impact of $541 million a year. But the Fair officials said they bring in about $100-200 million a year with all their expos and the Fair.

FIU will work with Miami-Dade County for solutions to where the Fair will be held.

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