Funds to Improve Lake Tahoe Community Mobility and Economic Vitality Now Available

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) in its role as the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPO) announced today the opening of the first application period for the On Our Way Community Grant Program to help Lake Tahoe community organizations and local governments identify transportation and other improvements that improve walking and biking or support economic vitality.

The On Our Way Community Grant Program will provide up to $600,000 in planning grant funding over the next two years. Applicants will create project plans or programs that improve biking, walking and transit use, support economic vitality, or identify barriers to achieving regional sustainability goals according to TRPA/TMPO Transportation Planning Manager Nick Haven. Both small and large grant requests will be accepted, up to a maximum of $200,000 per request.

“We have the Regional Plan and now local governments are creating Area Plans within it, so the next step is to identify the neighborhood level and street level projects communities want,” Haven said. “These grants will help fill in the gaps in Lake Tahoe’s sustainability strategy and tie together concepts for improved air quality, safer streets, and economic success.”

The On Our Way grants are part of the Lake Tahoe Sustainable Communities Program which lays out strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through projects like pedestrian and bike trails that provide alternatives to auto transportation, and that also improve economic and community well-being. The Basin-wide sustainability program is a partnership of the TRPA, local governments and other agencies, and a group of community stakeholders called the Lake Tahoe Sustainability Collaborative.

Applicants for On Our Way grants can be local governments, business improvement districts, not-for-profit organizations, or educational institutions. Proposals for between $10,000 and $200,000 are due by March 14. Grant applications for projects under $10,000 will be accepted and reviewed on a continual basis. Complete application details and instructions are available at www.tahoempo.org/OnOurWay.aspx.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. The Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization is a special designation given to TRPA by the U.S. Congress for transportation planning purposes. For additional information, call Jeff Cowen at (775) 589-5278 or email him at jcowen@trpa.org.