Eugster Appeals Judge’s Decision

A Spokane attorney isn’t giving up his fight to stop the Lincoln Street bridge project.

Steve Eugster on Thursday appealed a Superior Court judge’s decision to toss out one of Eugster’s two legal challenges to the bridge.

Judge James Murphy earlier this month dismissed Eugster’s claim the city had failed to adequately address the project’s environmental impacts.

“I think the judge is in error,” Eugster said.

Eugster also is challenging the use of park property for the project - an issue that should be decided before year’s end.

Stan Schwartz, an assistant city attorney, said Eugster’s appeal “won’t necessarily delay” the bridge project. “There are ways to dismiss appeals early,” he said.

Plans call for the bridge to replace the aging Post Street Bridge, which would be removed.

The new bridge would align with Lincoln Street, carrying northbound traffic to the Sinto Avenue area.

The judge’s opinion had left city officials hopeful to begin design of the project this year, with the two-year construction beginning in 1997.

, DataTimes