ALBANY, N.Y. --- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that USA Luge will remain in Lake Placid. The announcement follows the association’s annual meeting, in Park City, Utah, in which the USA Luge board of directors voted unanimously in approval of keeping their headquarters in upstate New York for the next five years.

“USA Luge plays a central role in Lake Placid’s storied history, and we are pleased they will remain in the region,” Governor Cuomo said. “All New Yorkers take tremendous pride when our athletes excel on the international stage, and USA Luge is critical to achieving that goal and inspiring the next generation of Olympians in New York.” 

Last year, USA Luge issued a Request for Proposals to determine the future location of the National Governing Body’s headquarters. Bids were received by both Lake Placid and Park City.

In the end, Lake Placid, site of both the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and home to USA Luge since its inception in 1979, won out. This was due in part to key existing factors such as the Olympic Training Center, indoor refrigerated start ramp facility, the world-class combined bobsled/luge and skeleton track and access to the United States Olympic Committee’s sports medicine facilities.

Jim Leahy, President and CEO of USA Luge, said, “I want to thank all those who played a vital role in helping USA Luge slide into a new and bright future. At the end of the day, this process was all about providing our athletes the much needed resources so that they can compete at the highest level representing Team USA.”

Since 2011, the state has dedicated over $43 million in upgrades and improvements to Lake Placid’s Olympic facilities. In addition, Empire State Development and the Olympic Regional Development Authority, are making significant commitments to USA Luge.

ESD will invest $1 million in the marketing and promotion of USA Luge, including $200,000 per year for five years to support the association’s televised events. Aditionally, $‎5 million in state funds, through ORDA, will support the creation of a new state-of-the-art start ramp facility.

Howard Zemsky, President, CEO & Commissioner of NYS Empire State Development, said, “The state understands how vital this organization is and strongly believes that it should remain in the region for years to come. We know the importance of preserving the Adirondack Park's legacy of Olympic gold and we believe that keeping USA Luge in Lake Placid is crucial to achieving that goal. We must work to inspire the athletes across New York – and that means ensuring continued investment in Lake Placid’s extraordinary facilities, and keeping the momentum and enthusiasm moving forward for residents, tourists and visitors alike. We are confident the state's far-reaching investments in the Lake Placid and USA Luge will do just that.”

Ted Blazer, president and CEO of ORDA said, “All of us at the Olympic Authority are pleased that USA Luge will remain in Lake Placid. USA Luge’s roots are right here and we have felt all along that that this is where they should stay. It’s obvious that the State of New York felt the same way. I’m confident that with the commitment made by Governor Andrew Cuomo, Empire State Development, the community, the Lake Placid Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and the Olympic Authority that USA Luge will continue to call Lake Placid home as they strive for continued international and Olympic excellence in the sport of luge.”

Over the years, USA Luge has enjoyed success at every level of international competition to include a team record 18 World Cup medals last season. The association has also raced to 10 world Championship podiums and five Olympic medals since 1998.

-- 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.