Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, The City of Utica, and Amodio Family Break Ground on $2 Million Val Bialas Ski Center Snowmaking Project
Mayor Galime’s opening remarks. (Left to Right): Josh Amodio, Joe Amodio, Assemblywoman Buttenschon, center Mayor Galime, right Utica City officials.
Assemblywoman Buttenschon provides celebratory remarks.
Assemblywoman Buttenschon, Mayor Galime and his team breaking ground on the new project.
(Left to right) Mayor Galime, Assemblywoman Buttenschon, Joe Amodio, Josh Amodio.
Utica, NY – This morning, Monday, November 24th, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly joined Utica Mayor Michael Galime, City leaders, and the Amodio Family to officially break ground on the City of Utica’s $2 million renovation project at the Val Bialas Ski Center. The funding for this project was secured through Assemblywoman Buttenschon during a 2023 tour of the district with Speaker Carl Heastie, The Speaker was in her district attending a press conference with Buttenschon overseeing the distribution of $1 million she secured for local first responder recruitment and retention efforts. It was while at this press conference Assemblywoman Buttenschon advocated funding from Speaker Heastie about the unique opportunity a municipal owned ski center presents to the community and the importance of accessibility to outdoor recreation opportunities.
“Today, I am excited to attend the groundbreaking on the renovations that are being completed before our recreational winter season,” said Buttenschon, “I want to thank the mayor, city administration, Utica DPW for their preparation and hard work to make the Val Bialas Ski Center operational for the Mohawk Valley residents. I would also like to thank Joe and Josh Amodio of New Age Hotrods, who generously donated their time and expertise to the city in repairing and restoring the facility’s chair lifts, ensuring Val Bialas’s operations.”
The on-going Val Bialas renovations, which include the restoration of the ski-lift system, will utilize the state funding to establish a snowmaking system at the Ski Center, enabling consistent snow production critical to ensuring a complete and excellent ski-season in the City of Utica. The City also plans to transform Val Bialas into a year-round destination, utilizing the new upgrades to enable greater access for hikers, bikers, snowshoers, etc.
“Watching the progress being made at the Val Bialas Center is truly exciting. I skied here, I taught my children to ski here, and I look forward to returning to watch the community enjoy this wonderful location within the City of Utica.”