Electric Ferry Capitalized as Crucial Environmental Endeavor: P-12 Candela Designation

The FlyTahoe project, which aims to establish a sustainable solution for transportation in the Lake Tahoe region, has received a significant boost. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has designated the FlyTahoe's Candela P-12 electric ferry as a 'key environmental improvement project' in the Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan.

Meinzer, from FlyTahoe, expressed gratitude for being highlighted by the TRPA in its Regional Transportation Plan. The project, if successful, may become eligible under the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP).

The FlyTahoe concept, which seeks to balance accessibility, inclusivity, and equity for both locals and visitors, has now been included in the Connections 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) as a 'key concept for waterborne transit in the Tahoe region'.

The ferry utilizes electric hydrofoil technology, a form of propulsion that allows the vessel to 'fly' above water, reducing environmental costs such as generating no wake, shoreline erosion, or noise. This innovative approach aligns with the RTP's goals, including environmental protection, multimodal mobility, safety, system performance, economic prosperity, and infrastructure resiliency.

The shared vision between FlyTahoe and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is to preserve the beauty of Lake Tahoe while better connecting its shoreline communities. The project has received enhanced support within the regional transportation planning for the Tahoe area primarily from regional institutions engaged in environmental research and transportation innovation, such as the University of Nevada, Reno.

While specific financial activities tied directly to FlyTahoe have not been detailed in the sources, such institutional backing suggests potential for future funding and development through research grants and regional transportation resources focused on sustainable mobility solutions in the Tahoe region.

Notably, the FlyTahoe's Candela P-12 is already in operation in Stockholm, offering a glimpse of the potential impact this technology could have in the Tahoe region. The FlyTahoe team is optimistic about the future of their project and looks forward to contributing to the RTP's objectives while preserving the beauty of Lake Tahoe and better connecting its shoreline communities.

Electric Ferry Capitalized as Crucial Environmental Endeavor: P-12 Candela Designation