Bill > S06888

This bill amends the environmental conservation law to establish a new title specifically addressing the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County, implementing a constitutional amendment that allows for limited development on forest preserve lands. The bill defines the sports complex as a 1,039.2-acre parcel in North Elba and permits up to 322.26 acres to be used for Nordic skiing and biathlon trails and related facilities (called "appurtenances"), which include access roads, parking lots, sanitary facilities, offices, day lodges, snowmaking equipment, training trails, and a Nordic skiing and biathlon stadium. Explicitly excluded are facilities like hotels, swimming pools, and structures above 2,200 feet elevation used for sales. As compensation for using forest preserve land, the state must acquire at least 2,500 acres of new forest land in the Adirondack Park, with the specific land acquisition subject to legislative review and approval. All developments at the complex must conform to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and be authorized by a unit management plan, ensuring that the modifications maintain the integrity of the forest preserve while supporting Olympic sports infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6888