LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) will host a Public Informational Meeting at the Conference Center at Lake Placid, Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m.   

Mike Pratt, ORDA president/CEO, will present to the public the Authority’s evolving plans for upgrades to the facilities at Whiteface Mountain, Gore Mountain, the Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg and the Olympic Jumping Complex.

Upgrades to these facilities are aimed at increasing visitors’ positive experiences at ORDA’s Adirondack venues, while at the same time maintaining its continuing commitment to the preservation of the unique and natural setting of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.  New ski trails, both downhill and Nordic, new lifts, new ski jumps, snowmaking system enhancements and various other improvements are under consideration.

While the Oct. 3 meeting will not be a formal public hearing, written public comments and questions will be accepted at the end of the Public Informational Meeting and a link to an online survey will be provided at the meeting for those who wish to post comments or questions to a dedicated ORDA website following the meeting.

This is only the first steps for the public to become involved in the planning process for upgrades to ORDA’s Adirondack venues. 

In the future, more formal plans for ORDA venue upgrades, known as Unit Management Plans, will be made available for review and comment by the public.  Additional public reviews, including formal public hearings, will be held under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act.  Public comments will be fully taken into account and addressed by ORDA while it prepares the Final Unit Management Plans and permit applications that will be submitted to NYSDEC and the Adirondack Park Agency for their consideration.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.