Lake Tahoe License Plate Program

The Lake Tahoe License Plate Grant Program, administered by the Nevada Division of State Lands, is a competitive state-funded initiative aimed at preserving and restoring the natural environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Since its inception in 1998, the program has generated over $14 million from specialty license plate sales and renewals, supporting more than 186 environmental projects across the Basin. Each year, over 36,000 Nevada motorists contribute to the cause by purchasing and renewing Lake Tahoe license plates, with a portion of the DMV fee dedicated directly to the grant fund. The primary objective of this program is to fund public agency and nonprofit-led projects that enhance environmental quality in Lake Tahoe. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, water quality improvements, habitat restoration, recreational infrastructure, research, environmental monitoring, and public education related to the Basin's ecological preservation. Funds may be used to cover direct program expenses, equipment purchases or rentals (with limitations), administrative or indirect costs (within capped percentages), and outreach efforts. Restrictions include exclusions on general planning, land acquisition unless integral, mitigation compliance, tuition or conference costs, and work that doesn’t serve the public interest. Applicants must submit complete proposals via email by 4:00 PM on November 7, 2025. Submissions must be sent to Chris LaCasse at [email protected]. The application process does not include pre-application requirements such as LOIs or concept notes. All applicants must meet a 25% matching contribution unless they are a Nevada State agency, which are exempt from this requirement. Projects selected for funding will be based on a review process led by a technical advisory committee using a comprehensive evaluation rubric that considers environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, feasibility, partnerships, and alignment with TRPA’s Environmental Improvement Program. The grant review process culminates in a final selection made by the State Land Administrator, who considers the committee’s recommendations. Grantees are required to begin implementation within six months of award, submit quarterly reports and reimbursement requests, and demonstrate adherence to deliverables, budget, and timeline milestones. Invoices and reports must meet strict formatting and deadline requirements, with consequences including forfeiture of reimbursement rights and potential grant termination for repeated noncompliance. Notable recent awards include a fish passage structure to support Lahontan Cutthroat Trout in Incline Village and a self-operated AIS-prevention cleaning machine at Sand Harbor. These projects reflect the diverse and impactful scope of the program, from species conservation to invasive species prevention. The program is anticipated to continue on an annual basis, with future application cycles expected each fall. In 2025, approximately $2 million is available for new grants, with award notifications likely following shortly after the submission deadline and construction activities anticipated by summer 2026 in applicable cases.

Priority to TRPA-listed projects; Timely reporting and documentation essential; Past performance affects evaluation