Tahoe Exploring Bid For 2022 Olympics

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (CBS13) -- California and Nevada businesses and government officials are taking the first steps to pitch the Lake Tahoe region and surrounding areas as a contender for an upcoming winter Olympics.

Local leaders formed the California Winter Games Committee after the United States Olympic Committee announced it would consider regional bids beginning in 2012.

The committee will look at the economic impact and infrastructure needed to host the Games, and hope the region's history of hosting the 1960 Olympics at Squaw Valley will play a positive role in the process.

"California's natural terrain, beauty and resources are renowned across the globe as world class, and that makes our state an ideal choice for a world class event like the Winter Olympics," California Senate President pro tempore Darrell Steinberg said.

A poll commissioned by the committee shows 95 percent of surveyed California residents feel hosting the games would be a boost for the state and 90 percent said local leaders should pursue the idea.

The USOC will call for "statements of interest" from different regions beginning Spring 2012 and selected cities will bid by Winter 2013.

The International Olympic Committee will announce the 2022 host city in summer or fall 2015.