Here is a paste of what Travis Nichols sent out on the latest update for the Spokane Whitewater Park. Travis writes;
Our last update to this tale was in the Fall of 2009 and since then the update has gone stale but the project has not. The Washington State government is in special session, DFW DNR and Shorelines are all working on permits, there is a new parks board, there is a new parks director, an EIS is still in consideration, The city struggles to work with grant $, and deadlines loom. What does all of this mean? The park is still in process but it hangs precariously in the balance of ego, whim and focus of many hands.
Tom Pratt, Jon Patrouch and notably Steve Faust have continued to work tirelessly to push the project forward on behalf of the community. The project is still working through the conditions required to grant permits from various agencies, each requiring negotiations and consideration to seek an mutual end project. State matching grant funding for the project is also in jeopardy due to the state budget shortfalls as well as actions taken by the City of Spokane Parks Department. The next few months will be very important to the project as more unfolds in the process.
What can we do? At this point the best thing we as a paddling community can do is to write general, non issue specific letters of support to the Mayor of Spokane and Parks Board Members. These people will need to help push the project forward so vocal citizen support is extremely important to making it happen. Courteous, honest examples of how the park will benefit all of Spokane (not just the paddling community) are key. Encouraging their support to champion this project that will ultimately benefit the city and regions citizens economically, environmentally, and recreationally.
Contact Information for Parks Board: Spokane Parks and Recreation Department Attn: Parks Board 808 W. Spokane Falls Boulevard Fifth Floor – City Hall Spokane, Washington 99201-3317
Contact Information for the Mayor: Mayor Mary Verner City of Spokane 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Spokane, Wa 99201
------------- Tony Z
dragorossinorthwest@yahoo.com
www.nookiekayaking.us
www.dragorossi.com
www.donkeyfIip.com
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