Wilmington, NY (Monday, July 1, 2002) - New York State Governor George E. Pataki today announced $5.5 million in new capital funds for a series of improvements at Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) facilities, including the installation of a new high-speed detachable quad lift and increased snowmaking capabilities at Whiteface Mountain. With this capital infusion, the State now provided more than $50 million in new ORDA capital projects since 1995.

Whiteface Mountain will receive funding to begin work this summer on the installation of a new high-speed detachable quad lift running from the base of the mountain to the bottom of the summit chair. It will replace a triple and double chair and eliminate the need for the mid-station unload area, significantly increasing the ski and ride area. Additional Whiteface improvements include increased snowmaking, expansion of the Kids Kampus, and various ski trail projects.

Gore Mountain's new terrain "Pod 10" work schedule features the installation of the relocated base triple chair from Whiteface Mountain, the rehabilitation of the Adirondack Express lift, upgrades to the snowmaking system and various trail projects to support the relocated chair lift.

"We've made major investments in ORDA and Lake Placid venues because we knew it would strengthen the economy, create new jobs, and continue the village's legacy as a premier athletic and recreational destination," Governor Pataki said. "Our investments are bringing cutting-edge sports technology to ORDA sites, ensuring that our world-class facilities can attract and host championship sporting events. These latest investments will bring us another crucial step closer to hosting an unprecedented third Winter Olympics."

These new funds come on the heels of another successful winter season that saw ORDA revenues increase by almost 13 percent on the strength of visitor numbers that exceeded 360,000 from November 2001 to April 2002.

Senator Ronald B. Stafford said, "I am pleased to have worked with Governor Pataki to secure these funds, which will enhance our world class athletic venues and help in our efforts to attract the world's top athletes back to our neighborhood for an unparalleled third Olympics."

Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of ORDA said, "Under Governor Pataki, Lake Placid has been rejuvenated as a premier family vacation spot and as a venue for the world's top athletes to train and compete. All ORDA venues -- including Gore Mountain, the Lake Placid Olympic Center, and venues for ski jumping, luge and bobsled -- will benefit from these funds the Governor announced today. ORDA's summer events follow a great winter season, and we're committed to making improvements that increase visitors and create jobs for the economy."

The Verizon Sports Complex -- site of bobsled, luge, skeleton, cross country skiing, biathlon and mountain biking -- will receive funding to support the construction of the men's "start building" atop the new combined bobsled, luge and skeleton run. Roller shades will be installed to protect the track from the elements, a video system will be installed for safety, parking lots and roads will be paved, and the cross country ski trail will receive grading improvements. The venue will host the 2003 World Bobsled Championships in February.

Investments have also been earmarked for the MacKenzie-Intervale Ski Jumping Complex, including the Kodak Sports Park. Utilization of the license plate / tax check-off fund will enable work to continue on the jumping hills. Various infrastructure projects will be done at the famous Lake Placid Olympic Center, site of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" where the United States hockey team defeated the Soviet Union en route to the gold medal.