Connie Hagler commented during a taping of this weekend's Northeast Georgia This Week. The program can be heard Sunday morning at 5:30 and 8:05 on WDUN NEWS TALK 550.
The work includes amphitheatre-type spectator seating and new restrooms. The venue hosted '96 Olympic rowing, canoe, and kayak events. About a 1,000 athletes from around the world are expected for the September 10-14 event, which will be a qualifier for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Hagler said Monday the Brazilian team is already in town, but will leave later this month for another competition before returning early next month for the championships.
Hagler and Lanier Canoe 2003 Chairman Phillip Sartain defended the use of public money for the renovations - saying its an investment not an expenditure, adding that it will pay for itself many times over because of the money it will bring into the area.
Organizers say the September event is expected to have a four million dollar economic impact on the Gainesville area.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/8/175301