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Schwarzenegger signs snow-removal funding bill for Truckee, Tahoe areas

Staff Reports

SACRAMENTO, Calif. and#8212; Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation protecting snow removal funding in the South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City and Truckee areas, according to a press release Friday from Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville.

Assembly Bill 2704 protects snow removal funding if any allocation to local governments for road maintenance is suspended or rejected.

and#8220;A hit to road funding in these areas would be disastrous for public education, public safety and the very ability to travel,and#8221; Gaines said. and#8220;Any threat to the ability to keep these roads clear would also devastate the local economy by cutting off the thousands of visitors and tourists who shop, eat and ski at local resorts and restaurants.and#8221;



South Lake Tahoe Mayor Kathay Lovell said keeping roads clear of snow is important for public safety personnel to respond to emergencies and accidents and for students to be able to get to school.

and#8220;Our emergency responders need access and our school buses need to be able to travel the roads during the winter months,and#8221; Lovell said. and#8220;I am extremely grateful to Assemblyman Gaines for carrying this important piece of legislation and thank him for helping our snow communities.and#8221;



Last year, the legislature attempted to drain Highway User Tax Account funds, which would have threatened money intended for local street and road maintenance.

and#8220;For years these small towns, cities and counties above the snow line have relied on a relatively small amount of state assistance to keep the local streets and roads clear,and#8221; Gaines said. and#8220;Now, our roads will remain clear of snow and ice and safe and passable for all those living and working in higher elevation communities.and#8221;


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