SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Senator Adam Schiff recently announced that he delivered $2.2 million to funding projects in South Lake Tahoe, as part of $254 million that he secured in federal funding for California. These projects will fund specific infrastructure along Park Avenue and at 3900 Lake Tahoe Boulevard.
$1.2 million to water
A spokesperson for Schiff said the Congressionally Directed Spending was secured through the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Interior and Environment Subcommittee.
The funding went to a project along Park Avenue to replace waterlines that experience frequent leaks. It will upsize over 1,500 feet of linear feet of water mains, replacing the 2-inch and 6-inch pipes with 8 to 12-inch mains, which are also more resilient. The project also will install new fire hydrants on Park Avenue. According to Shelly Thomsen, director of public and legislative affairs at the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD), it is a key component of the long-term strategy to build wildfire-resilient communities.
STPUD Board President Shane Romsos said, “These funds are critical for replacing outdated water mains, ensuring a safe and reliable drinking water supply and installing new fire hydrants to better protect our community.”
General manager Paul Hughes said, “By investing in upsized waterlines and new fire hydrants, this federal funding helps ensure we have the water capacity necessary to defend our community during a wildfire.”
Construction will begin in 2027.
$1 million to housing
The congressionally directed spending for housing was secured by Schiff through the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, according to Schiff’s spokesperson.
The funding when to the Lake Tahoe Boulevard Apartments project at 3900 and 3908 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, which is part of the surplus land for affordable housing. The project was approved back in 2022, and the planning commission approved the project in April of last year.
The apartments will be deed restricted and are meant to provide housing for those at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
SMR Development’s CEO said last year that groundwork would not happen until the project was fully funded, and projected a best-case scenario of breaking ground this spring if they were given grant funding in December. These funds make it possible to begin construction work once they are distributed.
“The City of South Lake Tahoe is grateful to its federal and state partners, including Senator Adam Schiff and members of the U.S. House, for their collective efforts in securing $1 million in funding to support the development of much-needed workforce housing,” said Mayor Cody Bass. “This investment in housing will help strengthen our local economy, support local businesses, and expand access to a key employment center in the region.”
