Published from California Special Districts - Jan-Feb 2013
Over the years, Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) and Tahoe City Public Utility District have built a solid relationship that works to serve their residents exceptionally well. So when PCWA determined it was ready to divest itself of one of its snow vehicles – a snowcat – it turned to Tahoe City Public Utility District to make a donation. The utility district has a close working relationship with a local search and rescue team who would benefit greatly from the vehicle and, thanks to the donation, more lives can be saved in the area.
California Special District asked the districts to explain the importance of the snowcat as well as the importance of their own partnership.
What is a snowcat? Why did PCWA own it?
A snowcat is an over-the-snow vehicle that provides transportation in snow-covered areas where on-road vehicles cannot travel. PCWA used the 1990 model snowcat in its Power Division, where travel is required in snowbound areas near the 5000-foot elevation on the upper American River and Rubicon River watersheds. The snowcat became available when PCWA purchased a new model.
Explain why PCWA decided to transfer the snowcat to Tahoe City PUD.
The Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team is a critical and highly respected 100-member volunteer organization that provides winter search and rescue services in the Lake Tahoe region. It relies on community and volunteer support and has a long, successful working relationship with the Tahoe City PUD. In fact the search and rescue team is based at Tahoe City PUD headquarters in Tahoe City.
How does Tahoe City PUD use the snowcat?
Primary use of the snowcat will be by the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team for search and rescue activities. The Tahoe City PUD, which accepted title of the vehicle from PCWA, assigned its use to the search and rescue team, and also reserved its rights to the vehicle for use in emergency situations.
Explain the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team’s mission and its relationship to Tahoe City PUD.
The group’s purpose is to conduct fast and safe search and rescue operations and to educate the public on winter safety. The Tahoe City PUD, like the mountain community it serves, sees the important value of a search and rescue response team.
This isn’t the first time a transfer like this has taken place. A snowcat was transferred previously in 2003. How successfully was that machine used?
This is the second snowcat transferred by PCWA to Tahoe City PUD and Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue. The first is still in use and highly valued by the search and rescue team. Chris McConnell, president of the 100-member volunteer group, said the first machine has been used in numerous rescues over the years and he expects the new snowcat to prove just as valuable. “We’re an all volunteer group so this is an extremely welcome donation,” he said. “It will help us be more effective and save lives, and it will benefit our entire community. We’re very grateful to PCWA.”
Tahoe City Public Utility District serves a large area (almost 1/3) of the Lake Tahoe shoreline. Because of the unique mountain environment that creates separation from the rest of California, special districts and non-governmental organizations often form unique partnerships to better serve their communities. The agreement for use of the snowcat continues a long-standing close relationship between Tahoe City PUD and Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue. In 1997 Tahoe City PUD agreed to share land (for $1 per year) it had recently acquired with Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue for the construction of Tahoe Nordic’s headquarters.
How does the transfer benefit both districts and their communities?
The snowcat provides a valuable public service, which is key to the missions of both agencies. It was originally purchased for PCWA’s Power System, using power sales revenues. These revenues are intended to benefit the people of Placer County and this is one way to benefit Tahoe area taxpayers, without the need to pay for it through water rates or other district revenues.
Are there any other ways the two districts have been able to work together?
Yes. PCWA meets with Tahoe City PUD and many other community water supply agencies across Placer County to offer water resource, technical and other support. PCWA offers a financial assistance program that provides planning grants to local agencies.
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