Updated 07/01/2010 03:37 PM
Howe Caverns project good for Schoharie County
A few weeks ago, we told you about Howe Caverns' latest project. The underground attraction is hoping to make a big splash under a multimillion dollar amusement park development. As our Dayana Perez reports, the project could do quite a bit for Schoharie County.
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COBLESKILL, N.Y. -- Tourists are used to exploring the underground caves at Howe Caverns and if all goes well, there soon could be an above ground attraction, too.
"One day you'll be able to come here and take a zip line ride down the hill, looking over the valley, ride a mountain coaster, visit the Dinosaur Canyon," said General Manager Robert Holt.
All part of a multimillion dollar expansion on the 330-acre site. The master plan also includes a 250 room hotel, more camping space and a 50,000 square foot indoor water park.
Holt says with the state's economic woes, attendance there has been increasing. He predicts once the project is complete, the amount of visitors will double.
"The staycations are definitely been to our advantage. A lot of the folks who visit Howe Caverns are coming from the metropolitan New York, Connecticut area," he said.
Holt says the project, which will create more than 300 jobs, will not only boost tourism revenue here at the Caverns, but will be a shot in the arm for the county.
"The tax revenue that will be coming from this will be great for this county. The whole Route 7 and I-88 corridor that comes right down between Cobleskill and Central Bridge will see an increase in business because you are going to need that auxiliary services out on the highway for folks, food establishments, gas stations and so forth," said Holt.
The new project is the second attempt for Howe Caverns. About two years ago, the underground attraction wanted to add an indoor water park, but because of the economic downturn, it was put on hold.
Holt says although the project is still in the planning stages, he expects construction to start late this year with the zip line and mountain coaster opening next year and Dinosaur Canyon completed by 2012.
"The planning boards are working with us and this looks like a win-win situation for Schoharie County," Holt said.
Meanwhile, developers are in the process of seeking Empire Zone certification for the proposed new jobs. Howe Caverns is also trying to get a zoning change approval.