City of Madison Receives $75,000 Grant for Regatta

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 5:48 AM

By Andrew Forrester, Community Relations Director Office of the Mayor

Gold Cup in town and traveling the area

At Monday's Board of Public Works meeting, members approved an agreement with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation which awards $75,000 from the Motorsports Improvement Fund that will help the Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Festival continue to grow and expand.

The grant funds are earmarked for infrastructure improvements, and will be administered by Andrew Forrester at the City of Madison. The current plans for the grant funds include adding a second level and a roof to the Madison Regatta Judges Stand on the riverfront, additional fence panels for crowd control, electrical and water improvements for the festival area, and other miscellaneous safety and infrastructure improvements.

(City of Madison photo)

“Indiana has a rich heritage of motorsports, which not only drives tourism across the state, but contributes significantly to our economy,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “The steps being taken in Madison to revitalize the community and world-class events like the Madison Regatta will support the continued growth and vibrancy of southeast Indiana for years to come, ensuring that the Hoosier state is indeed the best place to live, work and play.”

Last year, the City of Madison received a $50,000 grant from this fund, which was used for electrical upgrades, fencing, and waste removal. “We want to thank the City of Madison, Governor Holcomb, State Rep Randy Frye, Rollie Helmling, and everyone at the IEDC who made this possible. The Madison Regatta team is working hard to ensure the sustainability of the event for the future and we’re so grateful for everyone who has helped Madison Regatta through the years. We are very excited about the future.” said Matt True, Madison Regatta President.

This year marks the 69th running of the Madison Regatta and first time in 39 years that Madison will host the 115-year old American Powerboat Association Gold Cup race. The 2019 Madison Regatta Gold Cup and Roostertail Music Festival will be held July 4th through 7th, 2019