Congress has approved a bill to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA), extending funding authorizations for approximately $300 million through 2034. This move continues federal support for the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), which has been instrumental in conservation efforts since its inception in 1997.
The EIP, known as Team Tahoe, comprises over 80 public, tribal, and non-profit organizations. The program has completed more than 830 projects, including wetland restoration, bike trails, forest fuel reduction, and aquatic invasive species prevention and control. Federal investment has leveraged local, state, and private investments totaling over $2.8 billion.
Julie Regan, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, expressed gratitude: “The Lake Tahoe Region is grateful to Congress for their leadership in passing this critical piece of legislation to continue the collaborative work to protect and restore Lake Tahoe.” She emphasized that extending federal investment will help implement top priority projects for the lake and surrounding communities.
Rosalie Herrera, Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, highlighted the USDA's support: “USDA has testified in support of S. 612 as these federal funds will continue to allow work with states, local governments, and other public and private entities.”
Since LTRA was first authorized in 2016, $122 million in federal funds have supported EIP partners in treating 21,000 acres of forest to reduce wildfire risk and restoring 342 acres of wetlands. These efforts have been matched by $500 million from state, local, tribal, and private sources. The EIP also supports an average of 1,700 jobs annually.
Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins from League to Save Lake Tahoe/Keep Tahoe Blue remarked on the bipartisan effort: “In every conversation we have with lawmakers we hear nothing but commitment to protect this national treasure.”
Amy Berry from Tahoe Fund praised congressional efforts: “We are thrilled about the extension of the LTRA... Our champions in Congress and the resources provided through the LTRA continue to inspire our generous donors.”