Vermont Tramway Board will not allow the lift to operate.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The iconic Jay Peak Aerial Tramway cannot operate until repairs are made, according to Vermont Passenger Tramway Division.
When reached for comment today, Division Director Stephen Monahan confirmed the lift will not be permitted to operate for summer or winter operations until repairs are made. The tramway is the only lift that serves Jay Peak's summit lodge and upper 400 vertical feet of terrain.
The 60 passenger lift was installed by Von Roll in 1966 and is one of only two aerial tramways in New England. New cabins were installed in 2000 using a Community Development Block Grant and a Vermont Economic Development Authority Revenue Bond, for which Jay Peak President Bill Stenger credited Governor Howard Dean. The SEC has charged Stenger and Ariel Quiros with allegedly running a fraudulent Ponzi scheme with EB-5 immigrant investor funds.
According to the Burlington Free Press, the state brought in Doppelmayr to review the lift last year and found the lift to be carrying too much weight and that inspection records were lacking. While the state allowed the lift to continue running for the 2015-16 season, it will not permit further operation without repairs.
At an April 27 press conference, SEC appointed receiver Michael Goldberg questioned if the planned tramway repairs were necessary, suggesting a conflict of interest with the lift company. Goldberg is now requesting court approval to fund the $4.5 million overhaul.
