Save Belleayre Mt. Jobs

The Belleayre Mt. Ski Center serves as the linchpin for the economy of the Rt. 28 corridor in the Central Catskills. The tremendous number of visitors drawn to the region by the ski center support private sector businesses and encourage future capital investments. The revenue Belleayre brings in is greater than the cost to operate so cutting it cuts much needed revenue for the state.

The drastic staff reductions recently announced for Belleayre threaten the short term operations and the long term viability of this important economic engine. Tourism retention and growth are the best hope to maintain vibrant communities as the region struggles to balance the impacts of the forever wild preserve, the NYC watershed and a faltering national economy. Requiring Belleayre to absorb more than 34\% of the work force reductions for the entire Department of Environmental Conservation suggests that the importance of this facility is not recognized. While we understand the need for cost reductions in state operations we urge you to recognize the extreme importance of this operation for the regions economic health. We request a more equitable distribution of layoffs by reinstatement of permanent positions being cut at Belleayre Mt.