Here's a link to the permits that ITD issued today to ConocoPhillips for the first four proposed Highway 12 mega-loads, and here's a link to my full story at spokesman.com on ITD's action today, issuing permits for the first four mega-loads proposed for U.S. Highway 12, but staying the loads for a ruling on whether or not hearings must be held first. Laird Lucas, attorney for the residents and businesses along the route who sued to block the mega-loads, said, “We’re very encouraged that ITD is staying the permits.” He said, “There’s been a flurry of activity and Conoco, I think, was expecting to be able to throw its weight around and get those shipments out of the Port of Lewiston tonight.” Lucas said he was encouraged that that didn’t happen. “The public is entitled to a full and fair hearing,” he said.

ITD spokesman Jeff Stratten said the new permits become valid on Friday at 10 p.m., but can't be used until the department lifts the stay it's placed on them pending a ruling on whether to allow intervention by interested parties and hold contested case hearings. "The department's suspension of travel means the permits cannot be used," Stratten said in an email. "The permits would need to be amended or possibly reissued in the future if the loads are allowed."