Governor tours rowing facility

In a show of support for a public-private partnership that is creating a world-class rowing venue in the East County, Gov. Rick Scott today toured Nathan Benderson Park, as the venue hosts the 2013 USRowing Master National Championships.

He and other public officials commended the community, public and private partnership responsible for the park's creation — and its development as an internationally-recognized rowing destination — during a press conference held as rowers competed nearby.

"These things don't happeny by themselves and they don't happen (because of just) one person," Scott told a roomful of public officials, rowing enthusiasts and members of the public.

The state dedicated $5 million toward construction of the project in this year's budget, bringing total state dollars allocated to the project to $10 million.

USRowing is hosting its championship regatta at the site today through Aug. 18.

The International Federation of Rowing, called FISA, has recommended Nathan Benderson Park as the future site for the 2017 World Rowing Championships, but a final decision will be made Sept. 2. Officials from the organization will be at the event this weekend. 

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].