Letter: Things to think about regarding loop road

Publisher’s note: This letter was sent to Alfred Knotts at the Tahoe Transportation District and is reprinted with permission.

Dear Alfred:

I hope that this communication finds you well. I wish you continued success and good fortune.

I am writing to offer a few suggestions to you and leaders of the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) regarding the review of the Relocation Plan for the proposed Highway 50 Relocation Project. I understand that you have identified a variety of options that will be the subject of the plan.

David Jinkens

My comments below can be summarized by the statement that the proposed highway realignment plan should do the most good for the most people on both sides of Stateline and the least harm to the people who own property and live along whatever is selected to be the preferred new realignment. I support and want to see the success of large and small businesses on both sides of Stateline and fairness in this process to all concerned parties.

Here are some thoughts regarding the process to ensure fairness and equalize benefit. Some of these ideas you will recognize from past communications and some you may not recognize.

1. No eminent domain – The City Council has expressed its policy that the development of a Loop Road be done without the use of eminent domain, namely the acquiring of private property with compensation but without the consent of property owners and residents. I agree with this statement and the direction of city policy leaders;

2. Fiscal Impact Report – TTD should fund a city-managed study to fully examine the fiscal impacts of the proposed Loop Road on existing city businesses not just in the proposed project area but citywide, identify the least destructive fiscal model, and tell the complete story of how this project impacts the city economy;

3. Mitigation Fund – The developers of the Loop Road project who will benefit most financially from the project should establish a fund in the amount of at least $6 million to be held and managed by the city of South Lake Tahoe (with the assistance of a City Council appointed Area Advisory Committee) to mitigate the impacts of any road constructed on business and property owners and residents. This fund would be in addition to whatever costs and expenses are required as part of state and federal law; and

4. Locals Job Preference – TTD and the developers of the project and the managers of the businesses developed or expanded along the new route should agree in writing to make a good-faith effort to hire qualified city and South Shore residents for jobs created by this new project to help mitigate impacts and reduce local unemployment. This premise should be applied to all construction work to build the project and permanent jobs created. Developers and operators receiving grant money to build a $70 million plus road need to look out for the interests of city and South Shore residents first and foremost in job creation.

I am requesting that you make these comments part of the public record for this process and project and that copies of it be provided to TTD senior management and board members.

Thank you Alfred for your review and consideration of this matter and for your efforts to do a competent and fair job for all concerned parties.

Best wishes and regards,

David M. Jinkens, South Lake Tahoe