03/20/09

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) _ Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter has
reassured the Coeur d'Alene Tribe the state remains committed to
its agreement to operate and manage the Old Mission State Park in
northern Idaho.

In January, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Director
Bob Meinen said the agency was considering ending $300,000 in
annual funding to the home of Idaho's oldest standing building, the
Cataldo Mission.

Idaho signed an agreement with the tribe about seven years ago
regarding ownership and management of the park, including a 25-year
commitment by the state to operate it.

In a letter to Coeur d'Alene tribal chairman Chief Allan this
week, Otter apologized for Meinen's announcement and said he does
not support plans to shutter the park.

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Information from: Coeur d'Alene Press, http://www.cdapress.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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