Groups Want Delay in Snake River Dredging Pending Lawsuit

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — Environmental groups and the Nez Perce Tribe are asking a federal judge to delay proposed dredging of the lower Snake River pending the outcome of a federal lawsuit.

The Lewiston Tribune reports that the groups are seeking the preliminary injunction following the lawsuit filed Nov. 24 in federal court in Seattle. The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' approval of a $6.7 million dredging project scheduled to begin as soon as Dec. 15.

The lawsuit was filed by Earthjustice on behalf of a coalition of environmental groups. The Army Corps contends that dredging behind Lower Granite Dam is needed to maintain the corridor for barges between Pasco, Washington, and Lewiston.