Cannon Mountain Leasing Update

The Senate Finance Committee chose not to add an amendment to House Bill 74 that would direct the Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development to lease the Cannon Mountain ski area. Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Morse brought the amendment forward on this bill a couple weeks ago. He announced last week that he will attempt to add his amendment to HB 2, the budget bill. The State Senator from that district, Senator John Gallus, supports leasing the ski area. Proponents of leasing say that the state can no longer afford to make capital improvements to the facility. Opponents say it is an integral part of the state park system and should not be leased to the highest bidder. Governor John Lynch has indicated he does not support leasing Cannon. The Senate Finance Committee will vote on the amendment this week.