Tahoe bike path projects secure $4.5 million in grants

Funding of $4.5 million for two bikeway projects at Lake Tahoe, Nevada has been secured by the Tahoe Transportation District through the Nevada Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to a news release. Development of a 3.2 mile segment between Stateline and Round Hill at South Shore — part of an eventual 43 mile route along U.S. Highway 50; and a route connecting East Shore Drive National Scenic Byway from Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park will become reality.

The Federal Highway Administration invited states to apply for federal grants in June and received more than 1,800 applications totaling nearly $13 billion, 30 times the available funding. Nevada received $11.5 million for projects with $4.5 million for the two Tahoe Transportation District initiatives.

“With the potential loss of federal funding for Tahoe transportation projects and jobs due to Nevada SB-271 as well as inaction on reauthorization of the transportation bill in Washington, this funding investment positively impacts our safety, quality of life and environment in Nevada,” stated Carl Hasty, District Manager, Tahoe Transportation District. (SB-271 is legislation that would sever ties between Nevada and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, thereby jeopardizing federal transportation funding.)

With economic, safety and environmental issues of major concern – transportation systems cause up to 70 percent of the particulates affecting lake clarity, TTD is advocating a regional approach to transportation issues inviting representatives from the public and private sectors to the table.

“As a major tourism destination for residents of both California and Nevada, it’s imperative that Tahoe works together to develop a strong, unified voice for our regional transportation needs,” said Hasty. “With the funding challenge of future transportation projects at the Lake, the need for this joint regional effort is obvious. Previous projects have shown that transportation investments lead to additional business investments, which is critical in this economy.”

For details pertaining to the Tahoe Transportation District and its current projects, visit www.TahoeTransportation.org or call (775) 589-5500.