Officials say park may exceed prison’s impact

BERLIN, N.H. – North Country development officials say a new ATV park could have a bigger economic impact on the city than an 11,500-bed federal prison also in the works.

Berlin Economic Development Director Norm Charest says the ATV park plans dwarf the federal prison project, which is expected to provide 350 local jobs and have an annual payroll of $25 million to $30 million

The Executive Council last week approved the purchase of 7,200 acres near Jericho Lake from timber company owners Tom and Scott Dillon of Anson, Maine.

The city will transfer 300 acres to the state as part of the ATV park deal, making it the largest of its kind in New England. The park will have 350 miles of ATV trails and other trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross country skiing.