Watch CBS News

California, Nevada Merge Tahoe 2022 Olympic Bid

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS13/AP) — California and Nevada officials are announcing that they are joining forces in their effort to lure the Winter Games back to the Reno-Lake Tahoe area in 2022.

In a joint statement, the lieutenant governors of both states said Thursday they are forming a joint exploratory committee for the 2022 Olympics.

The Lake Tahoe coalition faces possible competition from Salt Lake City and Denver.

California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom says the bid will be much stronger if both states work together.

"As someone who has worked on Bids for major sporting events like the Olympic Games and the America's Cup, I know how important it will be for us to have a galvanized regional effort," said California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. "We will only succeed if leaders on both sides of the state line stand as one."

He said the Lake Tahoe Winter Games Exploratory Committee will include ski resort executives, former Olympians and business, political and environmental leaders.

"Lake Tahoe's physical beauty is our greatest asset and our greatest responsibility," said Lieutenant Governor Newsom. "We can't do this without the environment being front of mind for us."

Andy Wirth, CEO and president of Squaw Valley resort, will be the committee's interim chairman. Squaw Valley hosted the Winter Games in 1960.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.