There have been a few things that I have been curious about since this the story broke about Seven Springs and Somerset agreement.

First there is this unattributed remark in an Aug. 18 Johnson Tribune-Review article by Kecia Bal between quotes from DCNR Press Secretary Christina Novak, “$6.5 million might fall short of what would be required to fully prepare the facilities.”

Then over on DCSki there are post by Larry C, a long time instructor at the Springs that, "Doubt very much if it will open this 08-09 season....and then a lot can happen--Re: viz-a-viz state promised $$$.....even then 6.5 mill
state $$`s can`t be enought to make it viable......plus other input of $....".

Then later in that same thread our own Taylormatt post this, "As much as I would LOVE to see it open and stay open so I (we) had some interesting terrain to ski finally...I won't hold my breath. Too much red tape with the DCNR, Mellons, the engineering of water holding for snow making, the need for an updated snow making system, new lifts, lease restrictions, lack of lodging, etc. $15M minimum to update and remain open for a full season.......".

It all made me wonder what I'm missing. After some more asking around I learned that the lease arrangement the Buncher Company was working out with the DCNR had included a dollar for dollar match of State funds. It could explain the $15M figure Taylormatt proposes that he attributed to, "I know one of the guys who put a survey together for Buncher. $10-$15M needed. The State's $6.5M, from what I understand is less than half of what's needed for new lifts/improvements and full snow making. Without full snow making, it's pointless to try to even open. Who's kicking in the additional money? This survey was done 2 years ago, with price increases since then, I'd guess that realistic number has gone up another 15-20%." That from my Seven Springs to again operate Laurel thread over on EpicSki. Anybody know anything about this?

Interesting article about Laurel

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2008/09/08/plans_begin_for_ski_resort.aspx

Ashley Bressler got more quotes then any of the MSM but has a few factual errors namely Laurel being owned by Seven Springs but later identifying Laurel Mountain Ski Resort as being a State Park. A distinction that the G-Burg T-Review consciously blur. I think they got their google map wrong and flipped the locations of the Springs and the Mountain no mention of the Valley.

Interesting comments from the prez of the Ski Club and his impressions of Seven Springs. It's gotta be music to the Springs' ears.

Also interesting take from Springs' mouthpiece, Anna Weltz and I quote,

"With the possibility of Laurel Mountain opening, we're going to become a huge destination for people all over the area -- Columbus, Cleveland, Washington D.C., Baltimore, it will be a tremendous attraction."

I hope it is a reflection of the Springs' vision for Laurel. It makes me wonder, like Nittny Ski prez Brett Schrey has Bob Nutting ever skied Laurel Mountain?

Maybe not Bob but I'll guarantee his father has.

Well, the initial buzz is gone after the 7S annoucement several weeks ago. Nobody knows what's happening, if anything is happening at all, with the negotiations between the state, the DCNR and 7S. The DCNR, with its entrenched bureaucrats, drug its feet for the past year when negotiating with Buncher and now that White Knight has departed. I sense there is no immediacy for any of the parties mentioned above, especially now with the ski season fast approaching. I still predict that those of us who love Laurel will rue the day that Buncher exited and Seven Springs stepped in. If anybody knows anything, please post.

Please remember all those who perished 7 years ago today and those who have subsequently died in service to the greatest country in history.

... since i'm already regarded as a smart-a$$ it won't hurt me much to point out that the first "country" in history was Mesopotamia, and while the USA is indeed a notable country in history, it is hardly the "greatest" in history.

Dumb a$$ may be more fitting, don't sell your self short.

I find no claim above that the US was the first "country" in history, so I am not sure what your point is about Mesopotamia.

And being sardonic about someone's own personal statement or tribute regarding 9/11 is unnecessary. Just my two cents.

Could this affect Laurel funding?

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080917_Rendell_orders_spending_cuts__hiring_freeze.html

Most Likely.

I am not sure if the "natural resources" portion of the PA budget is fenced or not. Regardless, I would think that most would agree that spending money to open a ski area would not rank as high as health, education, and many other potentially underfunded activities. I suspect that in the minds of most PA citizens the rebuilding a ski area is something that can wait a year or two while many personal services can ill afford less funding.
The Colonel

This is a real concern. I read in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Rendell has asked department heads to look at current projects and hold back 5%. It's not a cut at this time but he wants all departments to hold back 5% for now.

I posed the question before about info I heard that Buncher would match dollar for dollar the state grant but I've not heard if 7S deal will be the same. This could be the difference between being cut or moving forward. I would think if the lease would be a standard 10% of revenues back to the State we would have heard something by now.

I still can't help but feel that that the 7S offer is just a stall to kill the deal. If the state money disappears because of a budget crunch, Laurel is done.It has happened before.

Oh, my letter to the G-burg Trib was apparently round filed. I'm not surprised, they are more interested in their own political propaganda instead of the truth. Opposition to a project is fine and there are good arguments for that position but to call the grant a violation of the state constitution is pure BS.

What info can you share, Swiss Mountain. As ski school director you must have heard something by now.