Tahoe US 50 revitalization ‘Loop Road’ project receives public scrutiny

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Officials with the Tahoe Transportation District’s US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project are reaching out to the community to answer questions and concerns regarding the project to reroute U.S. Highway 50 in the Stateline casino corridor and Heavenly Village. The goal is to make the downtown region more pedestrian friendly and to ease congestion.

Potential funding for the project and land-purchasing procedures were among chief concerns expressed by residents attending public information meetings — including speculation that properties might be condemned in order to follow through with eminent-domain proceedings.

“We have to follow a recognized, fair, legal process to acquire property,” TTD district manager Carl Hasty said at a recent meeting.

Properties to be purchased would be open to appraisals by third-party assessors.

The project would require the acquisition of 47 to 92 residential properties and five to six commercial properties — depending on which of three plans is chosen. Information is available about potential options and funding assistance available for displaced business/homeowner/tenant issues.

As to concerns that funding could fall short or the project reach a standstill as other projects (such as a proposed convention center) have in the past, Hasty said, “We cannot move forward with the project unless it is fully funded.”

A completed draft of the environmental impact statement is on track for delivery sometime in April, Hasty said. From there, the project will undergo a 60-day public comment period before finalizing the impact study with suggested plans.

The TTD is projecting that finalized plans could be presented to various governing agencies for approval by year’s end. Douglas County, the City of South Lake Tahoe, CalTrans, El Dorado County and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency would all need to approve plans before construction and land acquisition can proceed.

Representatives from the design firm overseeing the project have previously suggested that it could be completed within the next five to six years. Construction is expected to be completed over two summers.