Federal Funding Extended for Lake Tahoe Restoration, Ensuring $300 Million Investment Through 2034
A coalition of Lake Tahoe agencies is celebrating a significant win for the region with Congress’s recent passage of a bill to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA), securing continued federal investment in the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) through 2034. The reauthorization guarantees funding authorizations for approximately $300 million, aimed at supporting priority projects to protect and restore Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty.
Since its launch in 1997, the EIP has been a cornerstone of environmental protection in the region, completing over 830 projects. These initiatives include wetland restoration, bike trails, forest fuel reduction, and aquatic invasive species prevention. Thanks to the federal commitment, the program has leveraged more than $2.8 billion in local, state, and private investments.
“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,” said Julie Regan, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “Extending the federal investment in the Environmental Improvement Program will leverage millions of dollars in state and local funding to implement the top priority projects for the lake and our communities.”
Rosalie Herrera, deputy forest supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, highlighted the importance of this federal 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 to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, watershed restoration, and invasive plant projects on federal and non-federal lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin,” she noted.
Since the LTRA’s initial authorization in 2016, $122 million in federal funds have helped partners treat 21,000 acres of forest to reduce wildfire risk, restore 342 acres of wetlands, and inspect 51,000 boats for invasive species. These efforts have been matched by $500 million from state, local, tribal, and private sources, supporting an average of 1,700 jobs per year, with every $1 million generating $1.6 million in economic output.
“This successful bipartisan effort to pass the Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act is something the whole country can celebrate,” said Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO of League to Save Lake Tahoe/Keep Tahoe Blue.
The restoration efforts will address critical issues facing Lake Tahoe, including water quality, forest health, and the spread of aquatic invasive species, ensuring that Lake Tahoe remains a national treasure for future generations.
