Bill > A03628

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to implement a constitutional amendment regarding the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County, New York. The bill allows up to 322.26 acres of forest preserve land to be used for constructing, operating, and maintaining Nordic skiing and biathlon trails and related facilities. The legislature intends to ensure the integrity of the forest preserve while enabling the sports complex's development, and mandates that the state must acquire at least 2,500 acres of new forest land in the Adirondack Park as an offset for using the existing preserve land. The bill strictly defines "appurtenances" to include only facilities directly necessary for Nordic skiing and biathlon activities, explicitly excluding amenities like hotels, zip lines, and structures above 2,200 feet elevation that sell goods or services. All development at the complex must conform to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and be authorized through a unit management plan. The land acquisition for the new forest preserve acres is subject to legislative review and approval, requiring a detailed survey and precise land description before inclusion.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3628