MALONE — Franklin County Council members passed a series of resolutions Wednesday to support economic development.
Two resolutions were in support of the Visitor Interpretation Centre at Paul Smith’s College.
The initial approval extended the contract with VIC for three months and authorized the payment of a Destination Development and Marketing Program award not to exceed $10,000.
The second resolution was in support of the 2024 Empire State Development Feasibility Study Consolidated Funding Application.
Franklin County seeks to advance a key goal of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy by expanding economic activity in the tourism sector, and Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretation Center has been recognized by the county as a major tourism destination, according to the resolution.
“The TAC (Tourism Advisory Committee) has identified the VIC as a key asset with great potential for Franklin County,” Hance said, “and we are seeking grant funding to cover the costs of a comprehensive plan that includes a feasibility study, extensive renovations to the winter biathlon field and trail development for fat tire and mountain bikes.”
According to the resolution, a feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of expanding and increasing the use of VIC’s current assets and the potential benefits from these expansions will position the project for future funding and promotion, and an expansion of VIC could also aid in recruiting future students and faculty to Paul Smith’s College.
The project will help advance the vision and strategies of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s strategic plan, according to the resolution. The resolution states the County Council will support the submission of a Consolidated Funding Application grant and will contribute up to $50,000 from the county’s tourism budget to support grant matching requirements.
“One of the things we’re aware of is that the VIC or the visitor interpretation center may not resonate with some people and may not fully represent the 3,000 acres of beautiful Adirondack land that people can enjoy,” Hance said. “The feasibility study also includes rebranding and expanding the theater as well as enhancing the museum portion of the VIC itself.”
Hans said the grant is an early step in further developing the property in Franklin County and attracting more people to the area and staying there.
“I truly believe that if things go according to plan, within five years the whole region will be attracting much more tourists,” Hans said.
Hans explained that VIC is a place for people of all levels of hiking experience to get out and enjoy the Adirondack Mountains.
“What VIC has to offer is family, beginner and intermediate activities that will appeal to a wide range of people who want to get outside and start their outdoor adventure,” he said.
County Administrator Donna J. Kisan said because VIC is located within the county, it’s a place county residents can visit without having to travel far.
“Its location, frankly, is really an asset. It doesn’t divide the county, but its location is really an asset to the north end and south end of the county,” Kisan said.
During the discussion on VIC, Mr Kisan mentioned Debar Lodge and pond in Duan.
“In conjunction with this, it may be time to talk to the state and the Department of Environmental Protection again about Dever,” Kisan said. “As we continue to move in all directions, it’s right there. It’s another great asset. It may not develop exactly as originally master planned, but I think it’s worth sitting back and looking at where we are and what the plans are. We could do some pretty great things with it, and we’ve got Meacham in the meantime. I think it’s time to continue this momentum.”
Rep. Andrea M. Dumas (R-Malon) said a lot of work has gone into Dever.
“It’s a bit of a shock and disappointment to see it stalled,” Dumas said.
An additional resolution Wednesday approved the submission of an application for a Market New York grant to help rebrand Franklin County’s tourism destinations and procure a new website that focuses on actual destinations to help connect with physical locations in Franklin County.
“We’re developing Franklin County as a family-friendly county, from the Wild Center to Victoria State Park to Titus Mountain to the golf courses to the little parks throughout the community to Almanzo Wilder Farm,” Dumas said. “Everything we’re looking at, we’re thinking about how to bring families here.”
Rep. Lindy Ellis, a Saranac Lake Democrat, said it would be great to offer a walkway to the falls for tourists.
“I think the waterfall trail experience is amazing,” Ellis said.