03/28/08

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) _ A lawsuit to stop a a highway project
along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille (pond oh-RAY') in northern
Idaho has been rejected by a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge ruled yesterday against the
North Idaho Community Action Network's claims that the Federal
Highway Administration acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it
approved the Sand Creek Byway project.

The $70 million byway on U.S. 95 is part of a series of huge
construction projects in northern Idaho's heavily touristed lake
country that are designed to improve traffic safety.

The byway is opposed by environmentalists who worry it will
destroy the fragile creek through downtown Sandpoint and be a
blight on Sandpoint's scenic waterfront.

The North Idaho Community Action Network says it will appeal the
decision.
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(Bonner County Daily Bee)

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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