Statement On Belleayre Ski Center

November 5, 2008

The Belleayre Ski Center is the main economic driver for the entire Route 28 Corridor. Our area depends on its vibrancy and stability to sustain our quality life. All across New York State, agencies and facilities were required to scale back in response to unprecedented economic concerns. The Department of Environmental Conservation struggling to do its share while minimizing the impact on programs and services New Yorkers have come to expect and, in some cases, enjoy.

Our local ski center was not immune from those cuts. In fact, because of the seasonal nature of many DEC budget expenditures, it appeared that the impact would be more severe. Knowing that and the dire economic straits we faced, I urged DEC officials to consider the unique impact the Belleayre Mountain brings to the Catskill region. Over the past few weeks I worked closely with Department officials, including Commissioner Pete Grannis and Regional Director Willie Janeway, to assure that Belleayre had a full schedule and a full range of skiing and program opportunities.

We made enormous strides first in the rescue and then the development of Belleayre Ski Center in recent years. Increased staffing and promotional budgets, substantial capital funding and an aggressive management team have turned our humble mountain into a true destination and a magnet for other ski centers in the area as well. This year along with my Senate colleagues, I was proud to support an additional $750,000 for capital needs. This investment, like those of previous years, is vital to the long-term success of the Center, the purpose for which they are intended. To suggest that these special capital funds, derived from the taxpayer-supported Environmental Protection Fund can be used in ways they were not intended is at best mistaken and at worst pandering.

The truth is, the state is facing financial challenges unlike we have ever experienced before. Governor Paterson has correctly ordered massive cost cutting measures be undertaken across the board, no state agency has been spared. Belleayre Ski Center was no exception. I made very clear to the Governor and Commissioner Grannis that before any cuts were decided on they had to first consider the key factors that would have an adverse impact on the regional tourism economy and make sure those areas were protected. In the end, we identified the need for a full season with a diversity of programs at a reasonable price as the top priorities for a successful year.

Commissioner Grannis and the management of Belleayre Mountain should be applauded for coming up with a reasonable plan that accounts for the current pressures in the economy as well as destabilizing energy costs. By keeping the Ski Center open seven days a week and continuing to offer the same robust range of programs and services at an affordable price, they accomplished what I and other responsible leaders called upon them to do.

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