Nevada's share of Tahoe funding unveiled

The bill, embraced by the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency charged with protecting the lake, authorizes the $56.4 million in state bonds between now and July 2007.

The bill stems from the 1997 Tahoe Summit, organized by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and attended by President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and top officials from Nevada and California.

The state and federal officials agreed to an ambitious, $908 million plan over the next decade to protect Tahoe's famous clear, blue waters, which have diminished in clarity over the last three decades.

The money provided under the bill introduced Friday would be only part of Nevada's $82 million share of the effort.

Nevada got a jump start on some projects because of voter approval in 1996 of $20 million in bonds for Tahoe's preservation.

State agencies, including the Nevada Department of Transportation, also have secured funding for erosion-control projects since the 1997 summit.

The bill calls for the Nevada Lands Division to administer the state's efforts to protect and enhance Tahoe's air and water quality, and natural habitat. It would mark the first time those functions are combined in one office.

The bill was referred to the Assembly Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining Committee for review.

TRPA spokeswoman Pam Drum said state and federal officials on both sides of Tahoe have found millions for starting some protection measures since the summit.

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