WINTER SPORTS -- Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park has moved up another administrative step toward developing a new ski lift and seven new ski runs on the west side of the mountain, on an 850-acre area known as the Potential Alpine Ski Expansion Area (PASEA).

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has signed an amendment to the existing concession lease with Mt. Spokane 2000, allowing the non-profit concessionaire to proceed with the permitting process toward ski area expansion.

The newly signed amendment is on condition that the ski concessionaire provide plans for timber harvest and vegetation management and accommodate a State Parks archaeological survey.

The project then moves to the Spokane County permitting process, subject to review under the Land Use Petition Act. All necessary permits need to be obtained before actual work begins, possibly as early as late winter.

The proposal was submitted in 2010, and the Commission considered technical data and public comment.

In May 2011, the Commission allowed for potential expansion pending completion of environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act.

See background information related to the land-classification decision.

See the lease amendment signed this week, which includes a plan of development for the ski area expansion.

See background information on Mount Spokane State Park planning.