Originally Posted - July 24, 2006

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LAKE PLACID---The state has committed $20 million for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art conference center to be located in the Village of Lake Placid. The funds for the project will be administered by the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), which manages the Olympic Center where the new conference center will be built in the footprint of the existing Lussi Rink, will measure 65,000 square feet in total and be able to accommodate groups of 1,000 or more.

"Lake Placid has long been one of New York's great treasures, attracting visitors from around the world eager to visit the home of some of the greatest sports achievements of the 20th century," Gov. George Pataki said. "Over the years we've continued to build on our Olympic accomplishments by making smart investments in Lake Placid -- $70 million worth - to help showcase for the world the first-class hospitality and outstanding recreational opportunities that the region has to offer. With the new state-of-the-art Conference Center, we take another step toward ensuring that Lake Placid remains one of the world's premier destinations."

The conference center will include multi-purpose exhibit and assembly space, junior ballroom, meeting and breakout rooms, and a new Visitors Center, as well as service and support areas.

The project is consistent with an initiative announced by the Governor in 2004 in which he directed State agencies and authorities to actively recruit industry conventions and conferences as part of an effort to enhance tourism in the State, create jobs, and generate new revenues.

HNTB was selected as the architect for the project and the conference center design is scheduled for completion in early 2007. Bidding on this construction is anticipated in March or April 2007. Construction is targeted to start in June of 2007 and be completed by November 2008.

The Lake Placid Conference Center initiative also complements work on Olympic facilities and Gore Mountain since the late 1990s. As a two-time Olympic Village, and as previous host to the 2000 Winter Goodwill Games and the ESPN Great Outdoor Games from 2000-02, Lake Placid will benefit from having state-of-the-art conference amenities, enabling the community to compete for business both nationally and globally.

Earlier this month, the results of an independent economic impact statement were released, which concluded that the events and activities of ORDA generated $356 million statewide in 2004-05, including 323.7 million the counties of Essex, Franklin, Clinton, and Warren. 7-24-06

© 2006 North Country Gazette