Studies are under way to replace the pier at Kings Beach. Photo/LTN file

By Kathryn Reed

A third option to where the new pier at Kings Beach could go is being studied.

The North Lake Tahoe Resort Association gave the California Tahoe Conservancy nearly $70,000 to analyze a western location for the pier that would be near the North Tahoe Event Center.

“This pier is designed to serve recreation boating interests,” Sue Rae Irelan of the CTC told her board this month.

While small water taxis like the ones that have existed on the North Shore in recent summers would be able to access the new pier, the structure is not being built so a cross-lake ferry could dock there. A big issue is that the land operations for such an enterprise don’t exist.

It’s possible that elements of each of the proposals could be chosen to formulate what ultimately will be a preferred alternative. Differences include how a promenade through the beach would look, if the boat ramp stays – is eliminated – or is for non-motorized watercraft only, where the pier goes, along with what happens to the kids’ play area.

The goal is to have the draft environmental documents done by the end of 2017 or in early 2018. Then the public will be able to comment again.

Today the pier covers more sand than water. The new pier would be fixed at the shore, with a gangplank connecting to a floating pier. Even in droughts that connector would still meet ADA requirements.

Public comment on the proposals is being taken until Sept. 30.