Tahoe not included in federal water legislation

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act is not included in the House’s version of the Water Resources Development Act.

Representatives voted 399-25 for the bill, which was smaller than what the Senate had passed. The Senate version included $415 million for Tahoe. The money for Tahoe would have been allocated over 10 years for forest fuels management, environmental and watershed restoration, stormwater management and other projects.

The overall legislation is designed to address the needs of harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure.

House and Senate leaders must now compromise on a final bill to send to President Obama by the end of the year. There is a slim chance the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act could be resurrected to be included in what goes to the president.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report