Upriver Drive Widening Halted

Thu., Dec. 25, 1997

Angie Gaddy Staff Writer

Spokane County has halted widening Upriver Drive, fearing the project might disrupt artifacts from the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

The county has hired Eastern Washington University archeologists to study sites north of Upriver Drive and near Plante’s Ferry Park that could have tribal artifacts before moving forward with the road project.

Originally, the county had planned to shut down a quarter-mile stretch of the road, from 1-1/2 miles east of Argonne Road to just west of Plante’s Ferry Park earlier this month.

The road would have been closed until April. Now, construction won’t begin until after the first of the year, said county spokesman Chad Hutson.

Construction crews plan to double the width of the two-lane road, add shoulders and link the Centennial Trail in Plante’s Ferry Park.

The Washington Department of Natural Resources halted the project plans, by denying a permit that would have allowed Westway Construction of Nine Mile Falls to log trees along Upriver.

Officials then suggested further study of the area for archeological remains, said assistant county engineer Ross Kelley.

“We’re evaluating what we have out there and if there is anything historical,” he said.

Barbara Gundy, director of Archeological and Historical Services, part of EWU’s Department of Anthropology, said university archeologists are surveying the area and will send a recommendation to the county in two to three weeks.

That recommendation could include redesigning the $1.3 million road project. It could mean excavating the site, putting up placards or continuing with the project if the county and Spokane Tribe agree it won’t destroy any information.

In general, most parties involved in culturally sensitive situations come to an agreement, Gundy said.

“The project almost always goes forward. It’s very rare that it will stop a development,” she said.

The Spokane Tribe has hired its own archeologist to study the area, said tribal attorney Dave Lungren.

, DataTimes

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