SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) has been awarded $1.2 million in grant funding to improve critical water infrastructure on Park Avenue, strengthening wildfire protection and water quality for the South Lake Tahoe community.
The funding will support the upsizing of 1,550 linear feet of water mains and the installation of new fire hydrants, enhancing fire flow capacity in a high-risk wildfire area. The project is funded in part through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grant program and is a key component of the District’s long-term strategy to build wildfire-resilient communities throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The grant was secured by Congressman Kevin Kiley through a $1.2 million Community Project Funding award and supported in the Senate by Senator Adam Schiff.
“The South Tahoe Public Utility District extends its sincere gratitude to Congressman Kiley for his pivotal role in enhancing wildfire preparedness in South Lake Tahoe,” said STPUD Board President Shane Romsos. “These funds are critical for replacing outdated water mains, ensuring a safe and reliable drinking water supply, and installing new fire hydrants to better protect our community. We also commend Senator Schiff and Senator Padilla for their leadership in securing this essential infrastructure investment.”
The Park Avenue Waterline Project will directly benefit an under-resourced area of the community and improve emergency response capabilities. The existing waterlines in this area experience frequent leaks, requiring repeated repairs during peak summer months, which divert staff time and resources from other critical maintenance work. Replacing these aging pipes will improve system reliability and reduce service disruptions. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
“By investing in upsized waterlines and new fire hydrants, this federal funding helps ensure we have the water capacity necessary to defend our community during a wildfire,” said Paul Hughes, General Manager.