News Briefs
Thirty-Passenger Max Public Charter Allowed to Operate Out of Truckee
TRUCKEE
At the Truckee Tahoe Airport District’s meeting on Aug. 27, the board discussed the possible impending addition of airport operations by JetSuiteX (JSX), a public charter operator.
According to the airport, JSX plans to operate an ATR 42-600 once a day, four days a week. Under its public charter designation (which airport GM Robb Etnyre noted is technically not commercial, though it operates on a limited-scheduled service), JSX is allowed a maximum of 30 passengers per flight.
The public charter cannot be restricted from flying in and out of Truckee/Tahoe, even without support from the board. If the charter operator meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, the airport has to provide space.
Tahoe Truckee Airport said JSX would likely plan routes from the Bay Area and the Los Angeles Basin. The closest comparison to JSX that the board used was Surf Air’s private chartered flights, which ended earlier this year.
Board President David Diamond said the directors have no choice in JSX’s operations, despite community concern over flight impacts such as noise and safety having existed for years.
The airport expects to have more information on an agreement with JSX in September.
~ MR, Tahoe Truckee Airport District Board meeting
Join First-Ever Livestream Journey to the Bottom of Lake Tahoe
TAHOE
On Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, the Tahoe Fund and Restoring the Lake Depths Foundation will livestream an ROV’s journey to the bottom of Lake Tahoe, giving everyone the opportunity to watch in real time as it reaches a depth of 1,570 feet.
Via a livestream that will be broadcast on the Tahoe Fund’s website, follow along as “Deep Emerald,” a custom ROV built by Restoring the Lake Depths, ventures to the bottom of Lake Tahoe. While the ROV descends, Tim Crandle, president of SeaView Systems, will share more about the cutting-edge technology that made this journey possible, and Sudeep Chandra, foundation professor of limnology at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Institute for Global Sustainability, will unpack the secrets of why Tahoe’s famed waters are so clear.
Featuring open-source electronics from Blue Robotics and Mission Robotics software, Deep Emerald was designed for underwater exploration. It is equipped with an 8-thruster system for maneuverability, four LED lights and a 4K Ultra HD camera with low-light sensitivity for high-resolution imaging. In addition to deep water exploration, Deep Emerald has been utilized to remove litter from the lake and help identify aquatic invasive species.
Watch the livestream at tahoefund.org/deepdive starting at 9:30 a.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
~ Tahoe Fund, Restoring the Lake Depths press release
Board Adopts Amendments to Tahoe Area Plan
INCLINE VILLAGE
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve code amendments to the Tahoe Area Plan, which was adopted in 2021 and serves as a master plan for the Incline Village area. In 2023, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) adopted Phase 2 Housing Amendments to support deed-restricted affordable, moderate, and achievable multi-family developments. The number of units that can be built is not changed; these amendments address the type of units that can be built to address the lack of affordable housing in the Tahoe Basin.
The code amendments approved on Aug. 26 are mandated by TRPA, and TRPA gave Washoe County additional time past its deadline — December 2024 — to finesse the amendments to address residents’ concerns, particularly parking and density. Senior Planner Kat Oakley told the commissioners that if Washoe County did not approve the amendments, TRPA has the latitude to adopt them without Washoe County’s refinements. Deputy District Attorney Michael Large further clarified that the way TRPA is structured, it has the jurisdiction to pass its own ordinances that are binding on Washoe County, and its housing amendments will go into effect regardless of the board’s decision.
~ Washoe County Board of County Commissioners newsletter
Office of Emergency Services set to release the 2025 Ready, Set, Go! Handbook
NEVADA COUNTY
Nevada County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) is set to release the 2025 Ready, Set, Go! Handbook to help residents prepare for wildfires. This 32-page guide offers essential information on wildfire preparedness, including creating a fire-resistant home, knowing one’s evacuation zone, packing a go-bag, preparing for extended power outages, protecting pets and livestock, addressing air quality impacts, and assisting vulnerable family members.
Every Nevada County resident will receive a copy in the mail this September. Additional copies will be available at the Eric Rood Government Center in Nevada City, the Joseph Center in Truckee, all local fire districts, libraries, schools, and online at readynevadacounty.org/handbook.
The handbook was developed in partnership with Cal Fire, Truckee Fire Protection District, City of Nevada City and Grass Valley Fire Departments, Town of Truckee, City of Grass Valley, City of Nevada City, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, 211 Connecting Point, United Way of Nevada County, FREED, Nevada County Public Health & Adult Services, Keep Truckee Green, and the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District.
With increased fire risk over Labor Day, ensure celebrations include being ready for wildfire:
Sign up for CodeRED: readynevadacounty.org/emergencyalerts
Know Your Zone: readynevadacounty.org/evacuationzones
Find Your Five: readynevadacounty.org/findyourfive
Pack Your Go Bag: readynevadacounty.org/gobags
Stay Informed: readynevadacounty.org/stayinformed
~ Nevada County press release
Measure T Funding Leveraged to Increase Size, Scope of Projects
TRUCKEE
Truckee Fire Protection District is leveraging Measure T funds through partnership reimbursement agreements to increase the size and scope of wildfire prevention projects this summer.
Using locally controlled funds from Measure T allows Truckee Fire Protection District to increase the pace and scale of project implementation and accomplish more meaningful work within each field season. It also maximizes the impact of those dollars; TFPD’s investment of nearly $200,000 of Measure T funds has resulted in more than $560,000 of total funding for regional projects through partner reimbursement programs, nearly tripling the impact of local taxpayer dollars.
The agreements are an innovative way for TFPD to support more work through capacity provided by partner agencies.
For more information on the implementation and impact of Measure T funds, visit truckeefire.org/wildfireprevention.
~ Truckee Fire Protection District press release
TDPUD Launches Educational Campaign on Quality and Care of Truckee’s Water Supply
TRUCKEE
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) has launched a community-focused educational campaign to share the story behind every glass of water in Truckee. Drawing from the pristine Martis Valley Groundwater Basin, fed by snowmelt, and naturally filtered through ancient layers of sand, cobble, and granite, Truckee’s water arrives at customers’ taps refreshingly cold and with only minimal treatment. TDPUD’s recently launched “Truckee’s Water: Naturally Filtered. Responsibly Managed” campaign highlights the unique characteristics of the region’s water source and the infrastructure that delivers it to homes and businesses.
Unlike many communities that require extensive water treatment, Truckee’s water needs only minimal treatment, just a small amount of chlorine is added as a state requirement. The water originates from snowmelt runoff that naturally filters through mountain terrain before reaching the groundwater basin at depths of 600 to 950 feet.
The campaign also highlights the complex infrastructure required to deliver high-quality water across Truckee’s varied mountain terrain. TDPUD operates 13 wells, 26 pump stations, 35 tanks, and 238 miles of pipeline to navigate an elevation gain of 2,850 feet from the lowest well to the highest storage tank.
The campaign features newly released infographics that visually explain Truckee’s water journey from the Martis Valley basin to customers’ taps. The educational materials will be shared through social media, ads, community events, and TDPUD’s website at tdpud.org/your-water.
~ Truckee Donner Public Utility District press release
Agencies Sign 10-Year Strategy to Protect Lake Tahoe Communities, Forests
LAKE TAHOE
Against the backdrop of the 2025 Tahoe Summit, federal, state, local, and tribal partners commemorated the renewal of the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention Strategy, a 10-year plan to protect communities and restore fire-resilient forests within the Lake Tahoe Basin.
A multi-agency coordinating group developed the first Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy following the Angora Fire in 2007, which burned 3,100 acres and destroyed more than 248 homes. Since 2007, subsequent strategy updates have guided more than 78,000 acres of forest treatments in and around communities and 85,000 defensible space evaluations to assist homeowners. This work helped protect neighborhoods during recent wildfires, including the 2021 Caldor Fire.
The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit led the strategy update with input and support from Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team partners. It lays out a shared framework for reducing hazardous fuels, strengthening community preparedness, and safeguarding Tahoe’s environment for the next decade.
With the signing of the strategy, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team and its partners enter a new chapter of coordinated action to reduce wildfire risk and protect Lake Tahoe’s communities, environment, and treasured natural resources.
~ Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team press release
Moving In, Moving On, Moving Up
Scott Bensing Joins Tahoe Fund Board of Directors
INCLINE VILLAGE
The nonprofit Tahoe Fund announced today that Scott Bensing, a U.S. Navy veteran with over 15 years of experience on Capitol Hill, has joined its board of directors. A high-ranking former Republican senior staff member, Bensing’s service has spanned the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and included developing federal policy and navigating legislative and regulatory challenges. As a board member, he will support the Tahoe Fund’s mission of improving the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.
Bensing’s Capitol Hill experience began when he was a naval officer working as a congressional liaison officer to the U.S. Navy Secretary. As a civilian, he worked as chief of staff for the U.S. Senator John Ensign, and as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee prior to starting SB Strategic Consulting in 2009. He was instrumental in developing the legislation that has brought billions in public funding to Tahoe.
Heavily involved in community efforts throughout his home state of Nevada, Bensing was appointed to serve on the board of the Tahoe Transportation District by Gov. Joe Lombardo. He is also a past chairman of the Nevada Military Support Alliance and currently serves on the board of PTSD NOW! and the Military Officers Association of America, Incline Village Chapter.
Bensing holds a B.S. degree in political science from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and a Masters degree in public administration from The American University in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about at tahoefund.org.
~ Tahoe Fund press release
New Members Join TOT Advisory Committee to Expand Geographical Representation
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
Two new community members have joined the TOT Advisory Committee, which helps guide investments of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenues generated by overnight visitors in North Lake Tahoe. Damarys Los, director of housekeeping at Martis Camp and a recent graduate of the Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program, will represent the Northstar/Martis Camp region. Meghan Lowry, sustainability coordinator at Sugar Bowl Resort, will represent Donner Summit.
The committee, comprising 15 voting seats and three non-voting advisory seats, was designed to reflect a wide range of expertise, experience, and geographic representation of residence or business ownership. Through the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program, the TOT Advisory Committee recommends projects and programs that support community priorities related to economic health, community vitality, and environmental stewardship to the NTCA Board and Placer County Board of Supervisors for funding with TOT revenues.
Both Lowry and Los included personal statements in their applications for consideration on the committee. Lowry said she wanted to advocate for her community and the environment. Los said she’ll help represent the local Latino community and support the well-being of local workers.
Learn more about the TOT Advisory committee here.
~ North Tahoe Community Alliance press release
Leadership Transition Announced for North Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
The North Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program announced a significant transition in its leadership and operational structure. After years of dedicated service, Karen Willcuts has retired from her role as the program manager, and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce and the North Tahoe Chamber will be taking on an expanded leadership role in the program’s future.
This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the North Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program. For the upcoming year, participants can anticipate a program similar in structure and impact, but with the addition of new and engaging content designed to further enhance leadership skills and community engagement.
The program will continue its vital partnership with the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, ensuring a strong foundation for future initiatives and continued impact within the region.
The North Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program remains dedicated to fostering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the vitality and success of the region. Applications and more information about the North Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program will be available in mid-September. If anyone is interested in the program they are encouraged to email admin@tahoetruckeeleadership.com.
~ North Tahoe Truckee Leadership Program press release
Business Briefs
NV Energy Accepting Applications for Low-Income Customers to Save Money
NEVADA
NV Energy is encouraging eligible low-income customers to apply for the company’s Expanded Solar Access Program (called ESAP) beginning Sept. 1. The program allows customers to tap into solar energy at no added cost, with no solar panels required.
Low-income eligible customers who participate in this program are guaranteed a lower rate for energy than the standard rate. To be eligible to participate low-income customers must show proof of income and may not have an income of more than 80% of the Area Median Income based on guidelines published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. More information on qualifications is available at nvenergy.com/esap.
Applications for the program will be available online at nvenergy.com/esap on Sept. 1 and will be open until Oct. 31. Recent changes in the program now allow low-income customers participating in the program to continue participating in future years without having to provide proof of eligibility every year. Currently participating customers will be automatically re-enrolled for the next program year, eliminating the annual recertification burden.
~ NV Energy press release
