Lake Tahoe future on agency agenda

Tuesday, March 24, 1998 | 11:41 a.m.

The bistate panel is scheduled to adopt a comprehensive list of more than 400 projects seen as essential for achieving major environmental goals. The projects would cost $908 million over the next 10 years.

Projects to restore Lake Tahoe's declining clarity would absorb $350.6 million, with soil conservation accounting for $192.7 million and air quality $129.1 million.

The program, which also includes a proposed $18.5 million for research and regulations, has served as a rallying point for federal, state and local authorities following the Lake Tahoe Presidential Forum last year.

Also on the agenda is a review of a draft environmental study of a 19.4-acre redevelopment project intended to revitalize the South Lake Tahoe area's economy and improve the environment.

Like two redevelopment projects that preceded it, the project would reduce hard coverage and divert urban runoff to be treated. Commercial floor area would be increased.

Located on the lake side of U.S. 50 between Stateline and Park Avenue, the proposed project would include a 100,000-square-foot convention center, 532-room hotel, 177-unit time share, retail space, a nightclub and a scale-model replica of Lake Tahoe.

Proposed by Harveys Resort hotel-casino, Segal-Yue families and the city of South Lake Tahoe Redevelopment Agency, the project is scheduled to break ground in 2000.