Plans for a large indoor snow centre for Calverton at Long Island in the US have moved forward in the past few weeks with developers Riverhead Resorts asking the town authorities for final approval of its $2.2 billion project on 750 acres of land. If approval is granted, the company can complete their purchase of the property by the end of the year. Reports indicate the sale price has dropped from over $150 million in 2007 to $100 million now due to the declining value of land in the area.

Representatives from the town of Riverhead appear to be increasingly enthusiastic about the project after initial scepticism, having been reassured by the commitment of the developers through the economic downturn.

The indoor ski centre will be 110m (350ft) high and feature an indoor water park, fishing and boating lake, white water rapids for kayaking, a stadium for horse shows and competitions, an equine museum and family-friendly restaurants, cafés and seven hotels.

If all goes on schedule in the meantime, construction will start in late 2011.

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