The Tupper Lake Resort Expansion has been a controversial issue for eight years in the Adirondacks. And the process has been long and costly for not only the developers, but for the state. It's been a struggle between the need for economic development in the North Country and respecting the wildlife and environmental benefits. But as our Cara Thomas tells us, the Adirondack Park Agency voted in favor of a huge project for the North Country.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.Y. -- "The vote is 10 yea, one no. Therefore, the vote has passed."

It was an exciting day for the Adirondacks as the biggest project in Adirondack Park history was passed almost unanimously. And while some aren't pleased with the decision, others are overjoyed and say this new project brings hope to Tupper Lake.

"You've given a reason for kids to stay in this area and not graduate out of the North Country."

The developers for the Tupper Lake Resort and Club have been waiting for this day for eight years and are chomping at the bit to begin the process. The new resort will provide several hundred housing units, new campgrounds, a renovation of the ski area, a new marina and much more. But what's even better, it will bring hundreds of jobs to the Adirondacks and boost their economy.

"We're going to offer a very attractive product. We know the mountain is very well received by the public. I think we have a very wonderful location. You can see into Canada from the top of our mountain," said developer Michael Foxman.

And while many remain skeptical regarding the overall process and the wildlife preservation, if the vote was any indication, the pros outweighed the cons.

"I do think a better wildlife assessment could have been performed to inform the development and design decisions that didn't happen, but they did meet the standards of the design agency so although it was a hard decision, it was a good decision today," said Brian Houseal, Executive Director of the Adirondack Council.

Foxman is one of the developers for the project. He predicts they will break ground beginning in the summer of 2013. The project will then happen in phases, beginning on the east side of the property with the largest lots and slowly moving west. And the marina and ski resort will be completed as quickly as possible. But Foxman says the whole project could take anywhere from 10 to 20 years to complete.