Planning Commission Backs Big Squaw Valley Expansion Plan

KINGS BEACH, Calif. AP) — The Placer County Planning Commission is recommending approval of a sweeping, controversial development plan at a California ski resort north of Lake Tahoe.

Nearly 100 people offered public comment before the panel voted 4-2 in Kings Beach Thursday night to approve the Squaw Valley expansion project and forward it to the county commission.

If approved, Squaw Valley Real Estate would have permission to add nearly 1,500 motel rooms, condos, time shares and retail space in Olympic Valley over the next 25 years. Plans also call for construction of an indoor adventure center at the resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics

Squaw Valley CEO Andy Wirth says it's critical to re-establishing the resort as a pre-eminent destination.

Critics include the California Attorney General's office and others concerned about environmental impacts on Lake Tahoe as well as increased traffic problems.