Blogroll: A glance at what Spokesman-Review bloggers have to say
Getting There
By Nicholas Deshais
May 25 – The city began paving new bike lanes on the South Hill. If it goes as city planners hope it does, the porous pavement may be used in future projects to help stop pollutants from going into the Spokane River.
The innovative project has been in the works for a couple of years, and once dry and painted, the new lanes will stretch for almost a mile on Havana Street from Glenrose Road to 37th Avenue. It will be made of permeable pavement, which is rougher than standard asphalt because it isn’t made with sand and other fine particles. By being porous, it allows stormwater to drain through, instead running over, its surface.
During inclement seasons, porous asphalt won’t allow water to stay on its surface and freeze into a harrowing skin of ice.
Another project is testing the use of permeable pavement near Gonzaga University. GU seniors will lend their scientific know-how to the city, doing field and laboratory work to test the properties and effectiveness of a new type of road material.
Spokane’s utilities department is paying Gonzaga $63,000 for the work, which covers some compensation for three faculty advisers, lab materials and supplies, among other things.
Spin Control
By Jim Camden
May 26 – As expected, Donald Trump won huge majorities in all 10 congressional districts in the Washington presidential primary. But the runner up changed from district to district.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas did best in Eastern Washington’s 5th Congressional District. Ohio Gov. John Kasich does better in some Pugetopolis districts. And Dr. Ben Carson does about the same in all 10 districts.
No one but Trump did well enough to qualify for delegates to the national convention.
Spokane Valley
By Pia Hallenberg
May 27 – On Tuesday, the Spokane Valley City Council will evaluate 15 candidates for appointment to one of two open positions on the council. The initial discussion takes place in executive session beginning at 5 p.m. followed by nominations and public comment in the open meeting that begins at 6 p.m.
The council appoints the new council members, so if you have strong opinions about who should be nominated now is a good time to share your opinion with the city council.