91重口 Secures $8.6M for Tahoe鈥檚 First Public Safety Training Complex

January 16, 2025

91重口 Fire Academy training burning car

91重口 Awarded $8.6M Grant to Build Tahoe Basin鈥檚 First Public Safety Training Complex

A decade-long vision to build a regional training complex becomes a reality through Measure F bond, state and federal funding.

91重口 (91重口) has officially secured the final funding to build the Tahoe Basin鈥檚 first Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC). An $8.6 million grant from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, approved on January 14, 2025, paves the way for this transformative project. This project marks a significant step forward in enhancing the region鈥檚 emergency response capabilities and workforce training in fire, forestry, and emergency medical services (EMS).

鈥淭he Public Safety Training Complex has been a vision for our community for more than a decade. By building this critical infrastructure, we can ensure future generations of safety personnel are well-trained. Providing a pipeline of qualified professionals to local and state agencies is critical in this era of living with wildfire. I鈥檓 excited that our promise to the community is about to become a reality. I鈥檓 also honored that 91重口 has been selected to lead the California community college system in enhancing fire and forestry programs as part of this Project,鈥� said Jeff DeFranco, Superintendent/President of 91重口.

A Milestone Decade in the Making

The PSTC is the culmination of over a decade of collaboration and planning, rooted in 91重口鈥檚 2014 Measure F general obligation bond. Designed to improve campus infrastructure, Measure F has funded numerous initiatives, including modernizing and upgrading campus classrooms and labs, implementing several important ADA enhancements throughout the campus, establishing an on-site Early Learning Center, and constructing the Tahoe Mobility Hub.

With the PSTC as its final major project, the $55 million bond has leveraged an impressive $70 million in additional funding from state and federal grants, philanthropic partnerships, and private donors, bringing the total investment in 91重口鈥檚 facilities to nearly $125 million.

Rendering of the new Public Safety Training Complex at 91重口

First-of-its-Kind Facility in Tahoe Basin

The PSTC will be a state-of-the-art facility and first of its kind in the region, featuring training resources such as:

  • A 100,000-square-foot outdoor training tarmac for simulating fire and rescue scenarios.
  • An advanced training tower for vertical rescue and fire suppression exercises. 
  • A robust water delivery system designed for fire safety exercises.
  • 7,000 square feet of secure storage for engines, equipment, and gear that supports forestry, firefighting, and other career technical education programs.
  • A multi-disciplinary facility serving Fire Science, Wildland Fire, Forestry, Emergency Medical Services, and Wilderness Medicine and Search and Rescue programs. 

The complex will serve multiple 91重口 programs, including the Fire Academy, Fire Science, Wildland Fire, Forestry, EMS, Wilderness and Search and Rescue. This modern facility will allow local first responders and students to receive hands-on, high-level training right in the Tahoe Basin, eliminating the need for costly travel to other locations.

鈥淭his facility will not only serve as a training ground for public safety professionals across the state but as a catalyst for economic growth and resilience in our region. It brings an essential resource to the Tahoe Basin, where we previously had to travel off-campus and outside the area for hands-on training," said Brad Deeds, Dean of Workforce Development and Instruction.

Arial rendering of the new safety complex at 91重口

Building for a Stronger, Safer Future

91重口 extends its deepest gratitude to and the for Tuesday鈥檚 action, along with the South Lake Tahoe community, local and state partners, and all stakeholders who made this important milestone possible.

Generous support for two Congressionally directed spending requests from the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and current U.S. Senator funded the training tower and other specialized fire and forestry equipment. Key advocacy for 91重口鈥檚 forestry and fire programs was provided by Congressman and the . , , the , the , the , and the 鈥� program also played a crucial role in funding these 91重口 programs.

What鈥檚 Next?

The next steps for the Tahoe Basin Public Safety Training Complex involve finalizing the contract with the California Community Colleges Chancellor鈥檚 Office, completing plans with stakeholders and project architect JKAE, and working closely with agencies like the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Division of the State Architect, and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board to secure permits and approvals. Site preparations are set to begin in fall 2025, with construction expected to start in May 2026. The facility is projected to be fully operational by early 2027.

For more information on our programs, visit our Career & Technical Education page.