Bill > S08047

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to create a new legal framework for the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County, implementing a constitutional amendment. The bill allows up to 322.26 acres of forest preserve land to be used for Nordic skiing and biathlon trails and related facilities, with strict limitations on what can be considered "appurtenances" - excluding structures like hotels, swimming pools, and commercial facilities above 2,200 feet elevation. To offset the use of 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. The legislature emphasizes that the implementation must preserve the integrity of the forest preserve and result in a significant increase of forest preserve acreage. All development at the sports complex must conform to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and be authorized by a unit management plan. The bill aims to balance the needs of Olympic sports infrastructure with environmental conservation by ensuring careful land use and replacement of the modified forest preserve areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8047