In brief: City OKs plan for Mann Center

The Spokane City Council on Monday approved a Spokane Public Schools proposal for the Mann Army Reserve Center in Hillyard.

The plan includes converting the existing office and shop areas to educational uses; turning a vacant piece of land into a gateway for the Hillyard business district; and allowing undeveloped parking areas to be sold for private development.

Councilman Michael Allen said the school district provides a proven track record to help lead the project to success.

Councilman Richard Rush was the lone vote against the plan. He argued that none of the property should be sold to private interests.

The military has declared the Mann Army Reserve Center as surplus because it is building a new facility at Fairchild Air Force Base. The city was facing a deadline of today to submit its plan.

The recommendations still must be approved by federal agencies, including the Department of Defense.

– From staff reports

Hillyard

Felons’ re-entry will be discussed

Spokane COPS will present “Felons Coming Home,” a panel discussion about the Washington State Department of Corrections Re-entry Program in Spokane.

The event will be today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St.

Panel participants include representatives from the state Department of Corrections, the Spokane Police Department, Northeast Washington Housing Solutions, the Spokane Neighborhood Action Plan and Lutheran Services Victim Advocacy Services.

Christy Hamilton, of Spokane COPS, will moderate the discussion.

For more information, call Spokane COPS at 835-4592.

– Lisa Leinberger

Deer Park

Grant slated for airport upgrades

The Deer Park Airport will receive $211,240 in federal Airport Improvement Program grant funding to continue upgrades to the airport runway, according to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

The money will used to help pay for the airport’s Master Plan Study, and Murray secured it through her position as chairman of the Senate Transportation and Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, she said in a press release. The funding was included in her fiscal year 2008 budget and is now being released to the local community.

AIP grants, which are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, provide funding for infrastructure improvements that enhance efficiency and safety at airports.

– From staff reports