Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV – El Dorado County celebrated its completion of the first phase of the Lake Tahoe Boulevard Enhancement Project on Wednesday. The second phase, which consists of converting the two outside travel lanes to Class 2 bike path lanes on Lake Tahoe Blvd. from Sawmill Road to Tahoe Mountain Road, is slated to go to construction next summer
The project, part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, created nearly two miles of Class 1 multi-use path along Lake Tahoe Boulevard from the South Tahoe High School to Sawmill Pond. The new path also connects with the Sawmill 1 and Sawmill 2 Bike Path Projects, helping to link Meyers with South Lake Tahoe. The second phase of the Sawmill 2 Bike Path Project is slated to be constructed next year to complete the bike path connection from Meyers to the Y.
“You will soon be able to ride from Meyers to the Y, all on bike paths,” said Gavin Feiger, of the Community Mobility Group. “It’s a big, big benefit for the community.”
This path serves as a critical link in the alternative transportation system of the area. This project and others like it will bring improved air quality, enhanced sustainability, and additional recreation opportunities to the Lake Tahoe Basin.
This Lake saving project includes improvements to stormwater management, increased soil stabilization, and restoration of sensitive stream environment zones. These enhancements will reduce the amount of fine sediment and nutrients reaching nearby waterways and treat stormwater runoff from existing infrastructure in the area.
Nancy Gibson, Forest Supervisor for the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, praised the Lake Tahoe Boulevard Enhancement Project for creating alternative human powered transportation opportunities and improving access for locals and visitors. “None of this could happen without all of the partners,” Gibson said.
In attendance were representatives from the county and partner agencies including the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California Tahoe Conservancy, California Conservation Corps, Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization, Community Mobility Group, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment. For additional information, call Tom Lotshaw, Public Information Officer, at 775-589-5278.
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