$415 million Lake Tahoe Restoration Act moves forward

LAKE TAHOE - A bill authorizing up to $415 million in federal money for restoring the Lake Tahoe Basin during the next eight years gained a U.S. Senate committee's approval this week.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2010 on Wednesday, according to a statement from the committee.

If approved by the Senate, funding from the bill would be used for scientific research, projects to improve Lake Tahoe's diminishing clarity, the reduction of forest fuel loading and watercraft inspections for invasive species.

"I am pleased that this bipartisan bill to protect one of our most magnificent treasures, Lake Tahoe, has passed today through my committee," U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer said in the statement. "The Lake is emblematic of the beauty of California, and is also a major tourist attraction important to both California and Nevada. We need to do all we can to protect its famous crystal clear waters for our children and grandchildren. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this legislation through the full Senate."

The first Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, signed in 2000, was critical to jump starting the Environmental Improvement Program, which included more than $1 billion in federal, state, local and private investment in the restoration of the basin.

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2010 was introduced to the Senate by Senator Harry Reid, Senator Boxer, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator John Ensign.