Bill > S05227

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the expansion and improvement of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County by permitting the construction, operation, and maintenance of Nordic skiing and biathlon trails on up to 323 acres of forest preserve land. In exchange for this land use, the state would be required to acquire at least 2,500 acres of forest land in the Adirondack Park for inclusion in the forest preserve. The proposed changes would enable the creation of international-standard trails to accommodate global competitions, training, and events. The amendment would be subject to legislative approval, ensuring that the land acquired in exchange is equal to or greater in value than the forest preserve land used for the Olympic sports complex. If approved, the amendment would be submitted to voters at the general election in 2025, allowing the public to decide whether to modify the existing constitutional protections of forest preserve lands to support the development of Olympic sports infrastructure.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5227