"Save Tahoe" bonds clear the Assembly

AB285 is Nevada's commitment to the 1997 Tahoe Presidential Forum that united federal, California and Nevada officials in the effort to stop degradation of Tahoe over the next 10 years.

The federal government is shelling out the bulk of the cost, and California will pick up nearly $275 million.

Nevada's share is $82 million, $20 million of which has already been approved by voters in the form of a bond issue. In addition, $5.6 million will come from highway funds and other state money.

The bill provides the rest of the money in the form of state bonds.

Projects range from erosion control and stream restoration to slope stabilization, bike paths and trail maintenance and forest protection and rehabilitation.

The bistate Tahoe Regional Planning Authority is charged with overseeing the hundreds of projects that environmental scientists believe will reverse Lake Tahoe's waning clarity and restore the health of the basin's forest.

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 has support from the governor's office as well as the TRPA, environmental groups and the Washoe tribe.

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