Tahoe City, CA…Tahoe Transportation District (www.TahoeTransportation.org) has been awarded $25.5 million in funds from the Federal Lands Access Program for the State Route 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project (www.fannybridge.com), Meeks Bay Bike Path and the Dollar Creek Shared Use Path.

Of the three projects, Fanny Bridge has been of major public interest since it was introduced in the 1994 Community Plan, with a study report approved in 2002. Goals include improving pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety; making public transportation more effective with long-term strategic connectivity, reliability and travel times. It will also provide two viable emergency evacuation routes from the West Shore; lessen environmental impacts by reducing vehicle emissions and improving storm water treatment.

The project plans to address the iconic 84 year-old structurally deficient Fanny Bridge. It will also aid in alleviating present and future travel back-ups in and around the Tahoe City intersection where Highways 28 and 89 meet. Nicknamed the “Wye,” it’s the main artery for Tahoe City, various National Forests and State Parks, private businesses and Tahoe’s world class ski and summer resorts. Specifically, the project area includes State Route 89 into Tahoe City from the West Shore, the Truckee River Bridge and associated intersections and along State Route 89 entering into Tahoe City from Truckee and SR 28 from Kings Beach.

Tahoe Transportation District, a bi-state organization responsible for the implementation and management of transportation and transit projects and programs in the Tahoe Basin area, will continue to coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to secure the remaining funds, estimated between $7.5 million.

The FLAP Grant was awarded to the TTD after a lengthy review process. FLAP funding finances well-conceived projects that improve transportation facilities affiliated with Federal lands. The program supports state and local efforts related to public roads, transit systems and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and economic generators. Other notable projects in environmentally sensitive areas funded previously include the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, Saddle Road in Hawaii, and Pt. Bonita Pedestrian Lighthouse Bridge.

“Although the SR89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project is still in the environmental stage, the TTD is extremely pleased that a federal agency will fund a major portion once an alternative is chosen,” said Carl Hasty, district manager, Tahoe Transportation District. “It’s a credit to all the organizations that partnered to help guarantee that residents and visitors will receive the benefits this project brings the area.”

Long-term commitments and involvement from Placer County, Caltrans, Federal Highway Administration, US Forest Service, Tahoe City Public Utility District, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency have ensured a thoroughly vetted program.

John Pang, fire chief, Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, indicated his support from a public safety position, “The two viable emergency evacuation routes from the West Shore are of key interest, as it will allow our communities alternatives during large scale evacuations. This new project will also afford emergency equipment access to the West Shore without creating massive gridlocks.”

According to Gary Davis, president and Steve Hoch executive director of The Tahoe City Downtown Association, “Fanny Bridge is a vital link to our members, who operate businesses along the North and West shores of Lake Tahoe and we support the project to provide a structurally sound crossing at Fanny Bridge over the Truckee River for our residents and visitors.”

“The project will aid in reducing pollution through vehicle emissions from idling cars in traffic and will provide improved storm water treatment as well,” said Katherine E. Hill, associate publisher & editor, The Weekly Magazine.

Currently, the SR89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project is under environmental review, which involves collecting field data necessary to develop required environmental and technical studies. An estimated completion date for drafts of the Technical Environmental and Engineering Studies is fall 2013 with release of a draft environmental document in winter 2014. A preferred alternative has not been selected.

TTD will be presenting project information before the Placer County Board of Supervisors, Oct. 22. The agency is also working on a focused economic study with an estimated completion date of fall 2013. Depending on funding, construction could begin in 2015.

For details on Tahoe Transportation District and its current projects, visit www.TahoeTransportation.org or call (775) 589-5500.

For more information on the SR89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project (alternatives, statement of needs and purpose, most frequently asked questions) visit Tahoe Transportation District: www.TahoeTransportation.org. Specific questions, inquiries and suggestions can be emailed to Margaret Skillicorn, community outreach specialist, at suggestions@fannybridge.org, or call 775.846.2381.

Media Contact:
Alfred Knotts
Transportation Projects Manager
Tahoe Transportation District
aknotts@tahoetransportation.org
(775) 589-5503

The State Route 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project will improve pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety and make public transportation more effective with long-term strategic connectivity, reliability and travel times.

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Tahoe Transportation District
The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is responsible for the implementation and management of transportation projects and programs in the Tahoe Basin. The organization has facilitated many area safety infrastructure projects, including bicycle paths, roadway improvements, pedestrian thoroughfares, water quality and watershed improvements and public transit solutions.