Congressman Horsford Secures Historic Funding Increase for Lake Tahoe Restoration Act in House Appropriations Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) secured a historic $9.5 million increase in funding for the restoration of Lake Tahoe through fiscal year 2022 House appropriations. If the funding is approved by the Senate and signed into law, more than $25 million would be allocated to support fire suppression, address invasive species, manage the Tahoe watershed, and improve forest health.

"Every year, millions of visitors are drawn to Lake Tahoe's stunning landscape and sparkling waters. Lake Tahoe is a natural treasure, and I'm honored to protect it for future generations," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "This week's historic funding increase will Keep Tahoe Blue, safeguard local communities from wildfires, and ensure a steady flow of recreation revenue as our economy rebounds from the pandemic."

"The threatened scenic, ecological, and recreational richness of Lake Tahoe is of enormous importance to our communities, the states of Nevada and California, and the nation," said Joanne S. Marchetta, Executive Director of the bi-state Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. "We applaud the bi-partisan and bi-state support for this legislation, including the vital support from Rep. Horsford, that will allow the continued restoration of a national treasure."

"At Lake Tahoe, our economy and environment are inextricably linked," said Steve Teshara, CEO of the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. "On behalf of the more than 550 members of the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce and our Board of Directors, we appreciate the efforts of Rep. Horsford and the entire delegation to support funding for the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (LTRA). These federal investments are appropriate, both because the federal government is the largest landowner in the Tahoe Basin, and because they help leverage the investments made by the States of Nevada and California, our local governments, businesses, and Tahoe private property owners."

"For more than six decades, the League to Save Lake Tahoe's mission has been to preserve one of our nation's most awe-inspiring natural treasures. The passage of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Acts of 2000 and 2016 were milestone victories for the Lake and millions of Americans who have a deep connection to this special place," said Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known as Keep Tahoe Blue. "The continued federal support will allow us to finish crucial environmental work left undone, and to Keep Tahoe Blue for generations to come."

Securing this funding was a key priority for Congressman Horsford, who wrote a letter earlier this year urging the Appropriations Committee to increase funding levels for Lake Tahoe.

This week's House vote includes $25.588 million for the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, including:

• $7 million for water infrastructure that supports fire suppression.
  • This funding comes in response to the increasing threat posed by wildfires in the Tahoe Basin. If signed into law, this would be the first time Congress has funded this particular activity under the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.
• $6.088 million to address aquatic invasive species.
  • This funding would be a $2 million increase over last year. $6.5 million for watershed management. This funding level represents a $500,000 increase over last year.
• $6 million for forest health. This is continued funding that matches funding levels from last year.

Media Contact
Geneva Kropper | geneva.kropper@mail.house.gov | 202-849-0251