(Madison, IN) Madison Regatta President, Crystal McHargue, in conjunction with federal, state, and local officials, have addressed the river debris issue over the Unlimited Hydroplane off-season. Proactive plans have been developed to attack the debris issue should it again become an issue during this year's Madison Regatta.

Madison Regatta officials met with U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to develop an action plan in the event that high water again threatens the running of the annual hydroplane race held in Madison for over 50 consecutive years. This year's Madison Regatta will be the 59th annual event featuring the world's fastest race boats, Unlimited Hydroplanes, reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph.

In addition to the U. S. Army Corp officials, also attending were State Senator Jim Lewis, State Representative Dave Cheatham, Madison Mayor Tim Armstrong, and representatives from the offices of U. S. Representative Baron Hill, and U.S Senator Evan Bayh. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who attended the 2008 event and witnessed first hand the debris issue, also pledged his support.

Debris caused by heavy rains up-river from Madison has hampered efforts to stage the popular annual event. A very technical balance must be maintained between the many dams and locks along the Ohio River to control debris that backs up from the results of heavy rainfall, and also maintain minimum river depth for commercial barge traffic. After an extensive study of the problem, it was determined that the Kentucky River, which flows directly into the Ohio River just a few miles from Madison, was the primary cause. This is due to the fact that the Kentucky River incorporates spillway type dams which allow debris from heavy rains to pass over the dams. Since there are no gates mechanisms associated with these types of structures, debris control is virtually impossible.

McHargue stressed a few options are available that can mitigate the effects of high water, and they will be put in place for the 2009 Madison Regatta. It was made clear that weather from the south affects the Kentucky River, and regatta officials have been briefed by the U. S. Army Corp on ways to monitor the river and estimate river conditions based on real time weather occurring in the target area.

The Madison Regatta Board, and the American Boat Racing Association, sanctioning body for Unlimited Hydroplane Racing, has made this issue a top priority after the 2008 event. President McHargue said, "We want to give the race fans value for their event purchase, and believe we have done everything possible to ensure that this problem has been addressed.”