Rowing park denied state funding

The state’s 2014-15 budget does not include money to fund improvements to Nathan Benderson Park.

But Paul Blackketter, the president of SANCA, the nonprofit running the park, said the state legislature's decision will not prevent the park from being ready to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships. 

“This (decision) does not impact the timeline (to finish construction of the park),” Blackketter said in an email. “(We) feel very confident that we can raise the private funds. Once we raise the money, we’ll ask the state for a match in next year’s budget.”

SANCA plans to launch a fundraising drive — funded by private donors — to raise $11 million to help built a boathouse and finish tower at Nathan Benderson Park. 

SANCA would then lobby the state for a matching grant — during next year’s budget cycle— that would provide another $11 million to finish construction of the park.

The state money would only be paid if SANCA can raise $11 million from private donors.

Blackketter hopes construction of the park finishes by the first quarter of 2016. 

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].