Cappelli, explaining his concept to Sullivan County lawmakers earlier this year

MONTICELLO – Sullivan County legislators Tuesday sounded a unified cheer over word that Governor Paterson has signed legislation paving the way for the Concord Associates-Empire Resorts $1 billion project to get under way at the old concord Hotel site in Kiamesha Lake.

Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis said the project will provide “vital job growth for our residents as well as necessary sales tax revenues for our communities.”

Rouis said that in “these difficult economic times, it is essential that Sullivan County attract sound, sustainable development.”

Legislature Vice Chairman Ron Hiatt, whose district will host half of the new development, said, “For those who thought it was never going to happen, guess what? It’s happening. The Governor’s signature just dotted the t’s and crossed the i’s on another big piece of our economic development puzzle.”

Legislator Alan Sorensen, whose district encompasses the other half of the project site, said the redevelopment of the Concord holds “great promise” for the community.

“I just think the project has a wonderful opportunity as an economic stimulus for the entire county as well as providing very much needed employment opportunities for area residents,” he said.

Legislative Minority Leader Leni Binder said the project, when completed, will be “a cornerstone for the re-growth of our tourism industry.”