The federal Army Corps of Engineers says a plan to redevelop the Balsam's Resort in Dixville Notch will have minimal effects on water resources and wetlands.
The corps has issued a permit needed for Maine ski resort developer Les Otten to move forward with the redevelopment plan.
The Balsams, where the nation's first presidential primary ballots are traditionally cast, closed in 2010, taking away hundreds of jobs in the strapped North Country. Otten's plan would renovate existing buildings and build a 400-room hotel, conference center, spa and retreat. It would also expand the ski area. The project, with an estimated cost of more than $320 million, would be finished by 2024.
Otten still needs to finalize financing and get site plan approval from Coos County. Construction would begin in 2016.
