$2.6M bond OK'd for New Hampshire resort's alpine coaster

LACONIA, N.H. (AP) — The Belknap County delegation has approved a $2.6 million bond for a New Hampshire ski resort to build an alpine roller coaster.

The Laconia Citizen reports (http://bit.ly/1gjqGZk ) Gunstock Mountain in Gilford will purchase the ride for $1.5 million from Wiegand, a German company with more than 200 coasters around the world — including two in New Hampshire. The balance will go toward things like site preparation, signs and electrical services.

Gunstock general manager Greg Goddard says the coaster is expected to generate an operating return within five years.

The ride, scheduled to open in July 2016, isn't affected by snow and can be used during any season. Resort officials say the mountainside coaster is safe.