Bi-state aid urged at Tahoe

Tuesday, June 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

While Nevada-side casinos have been a big factor for years in Tahoe tourism, a spokesman for one of three major redevelopment projects planned on the California side said such ventures will be a boon to the entire region.

"The difference between California and Nevada has narrowed considerably," added lawyer Lew Feldman. "It is imperative that both sides of the line come together."

The projects plus the already-built Embassy Suites hotel just over the line from Nevada will represent nearly $400 million in capital investments on the south shore, Douglas County commissioners and South Lake Tahoe, Calif., city council members were told.

The projects include new hotels, time-share resorts, retail stores, restaurants and a refurbished Ski Run Marina.

Improvements range from a major convention center to a high-speed gondola linking the downtown area with Heavenly Valley Ski Resort.

"If we don't do this kind of thing on the California side, the market on the Nevada side is in serious risk," Feldman said in urging the Douglas County officials to support South Lake Tahoe's efforts.

That support is present, said Douglas County Commission Chairman Bob Allgeier. He added the Nevada-side officials realize "we'll get part of the action, and whatever we get is better than what we have now."

"It's a package," Commissioner Jacques Etchegoyhen added. "When the average tourist comes here, they don't know where the state line is."

Etchegoyhen also said he's impressed with the quality of the redevelopment projects because they seem to emphasize Tahoe's natural beauty.

"The message we need to send to folks is you can visit the gaudiness of Las Vegas or what God's given Lake Tahoe," he added.