Developers of proposed Kingsbury gondola eye high-tech tramway

MINDEN, Nev. (AP) - Developers who envision linking the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe with a gondola have altered their plans.

Instead of a gondola system, developers of the proposed Kingsbury Summit project say they will pursue a Funitel tram, which is able to withstand higher winds.

A Funitel was installed at Squaw Valley ski resort two years ago.

''We just came to the conclusion that would be the most ideal system you could have in that area,'' said Carl Skylling of Garaventa CTEC, Inc. The company installed Squaw Valley's Funitel and is working with Kingsbury Summit developers.

The switch would increase the cost of the aerial transit system from $30 million to about $50 million but would be more reliable in the wind, developers say.

The proposed transit system would shuttle tourists and commuters from Douglas County's flatlands to Lake Tahoe.

It is part of a $700 million proposal that includes construction of a hotel-casino, shopping center and timeshare complex near the Kingsbury ridgeline.