Gov. Tony Evers Unveils $30M Proposal For Madison Convention Center Expansion

Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday announced $30 million in state money for an exhibition hall renovation project in Madison.

The project is part of the governor’s capital budget, which will be rolled out in full next week.

Under the plan, the state would offer $30 million in bonding to expand the Alliant Energy Center, which hosts events including the World Dairy Expo and Midwest Horse Fair.

Evers said the project would help the venue attract more events.

“Ultimately, the expansion and renovation will change and expand types of businesses Wisconsin and Dane County are able to attract to the complex,” he said. “I’m excited to see this project move forward and know it will add value to the entire state of Wisconsin.”

The $77 million project would expand the facility by 196,000 square feet. It would also use money from local government and private investors. Evers said it’s expected to create 644 new jobs.

Sharon Corrigan, chair of the Dane County Board, appeared alongside the governor at a press event at the facility Wednesday morning.

“This is what’s needed in order to attract business to the community,” Corrigan said.

The governor has already rolled out another element of his capital budget, $31 million in state bonding for Marinette Marine.