Report on Tahoe cleanup proposals due this month

The report to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will propose ways to raise money from people who live at or visit Lake Tahoe. The money would help fund about $900 million dollars over the next 10 years for environmental efforts.

Experts have warned that unless measures are taken soon, Lake Tahoe's famed clarity could be lost forever.

The report being prepared by Arthur Bauer & Associates, a consulting firm in Sacramento, Calif., will analyze a variety of money-raising options, such as regional taxes and a user fee for visitors.

Jim Baetge, TRPA executive director, said while the federal government and Nevada and California have promised funding, a local commitment to raise cash is also needed.

The idea of charging visitors a fee has been debated for years. Some people in the tourism industry fear it would keep visitors away and harm business.

But Kathy Farrell of the Tahoe-Douglas Chamber of Commerce believes the time has come and that people will pay to enjoy Tahoe region.

"I still think there are a number of leaders in the tourism industry that are horrified at the thought," she said. "I'm just not one of them.

"The funding must be a partnership between the federal government, the states and everybody else, which is you and me," she said. "I think most of the visitors will be willing to assist in paying the ticket."

archive