Rep. Kiley Secures Crucial Funding for Lake Tahoe Utility Districts to Fight Wildfires

WASHINGTON – Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA) secured millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for Lake Tahoe Utility Districts, helping them complete necessary infrastructure projects that will benefit all its residents and improve its wildfire response capabilities.

North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) received $1.25 million in community project funding, which will be used for the Kings Beach Watermain Replacement Project. The project will provide an overhaul of its wildfire resistance program by adding new fire hydrants and upgrading and replacing waterlines. That project will break ground in early June and will be completed before October 15, which is the end of Lake Tahoe’s construction season. 

South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) received a $1.3 million Hazard Mitigation Grant for its Al Tahoe and Bayview Well Backup Project. STPUD will install backup power to its two largest producing wells, which will help keep the water flowing for firefighters and residents during power outages. That project will also be completed before the construction season ends. 

“Ensuring the Lake Tahoe region is fully equipped to fight wildfires while providing the necessary water infrastructure to its residents and visitors, is a key priority of mine,” Rep. Kiley said. “That’s why I worked with FEMA to make sure Lake Tahoe’s utility districts received the money they needed to complete these necessary projects. I will always do everything in my power to provide the essential resources local communities need to prevent and fight wildfires.”

“This summer the North Tahoe Public Utility District will install a new high-capacity emergency generator at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach,” Bradley Johnson P.E., said, NTPUD General Manager. “Thanks to support from Rep. Kiley and his staff, the NTPUD was able to expedite funding for this critical project from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The community of North Lake Tahoe has long awaited this project, which now allows the Event Center to serve as an important emergency facility during a crisis or natural disaster.”

“We are grateful to have received a $1.3 million Hazard Mitigation Grant through FEMA to install backup power at our two largest drinking water well sites, a vital project to ensure reliable drinking water and maintaining water flow during extended power outages,” Paul Hughes said, STPUD General Manager. “After waiting over six months on a scope change approval, Congressman Kiley’s office was instrumental in helping move this project forward to construct this summer.  Thank you, Congressman Kiley, for your continued support of critical water infrastructure in South Lake Tahoe.”

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