BELLEAYRE EXPANSION COULD DOUBLE VISITS

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BELLEAYRE EXPANSION COULD DOUBLE VISITS

SAM Magazine—Catskill, N.Y., April 18, 2013—The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) has proposed a five-year, $74 million expansion of the Belleayre ski center that could double the area’s annual visits. The plan, developed largely before ORDA took over control of Belleayre from the Department of Environmental Conservation in November 2012, will be open to public comment through late June.

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The expansion is projected to increase Belleayre’s annual revenue by $5.2 million, from $6.1 million to $11.3 million, and produce a profit of $1.2 million, versus an annual loss of $600,000. The plan is also expected to raise an additional $220,000 in sales tax revenue.

The proposal calls for cutting 16 trails, installing three ski lifts, expanding the snowmaking system, and adding three parking areas and a lodge. The plan will upgrade many existing facilities as well. All that is projected to increase visitation from 165,000 to 320,000.