South Lake Tahoe received word late Friday that the California Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded the city a $35,000 grant to conduct a comprehensive parking study in the city limits to evaluate needs and solutions. The City Council authorized city staff to submit an application for this competitive grant opportunity on June 2.

This idea to submit this grant application to HCD for an economic development study arose following discussion and input from City Council members when issues of adequate parking in the city limits came up at a City Council meeting.

“The City Council is working to see the development of alternate forms of transportation to the motor vehicle, but we must also be certain that adequate parking is provided to accommodate the needs of locals and visitors who will continue to use their autos,” City Manager Dave Jinkens said in a press release. “City government officials will continue to work to enhance opportunities for public transit, walking and biking trails, needed pedestrian facilities, and air service. We must not forget that many people still use and will continue to use their vehicle to travel, and we must be certain that we have intelligently planned for this use in our community whether in and around the proposed convention center/hotel, in the vicinity of the Ski Run Marina, or in the emerging Tahoe Valley Community Plan.”

Proposals for conducting the work will be sought by city staff and brought back to the City Council for approval.