Spokane County Ski Area Gets Expansion Permit, Then Gets Halt Order

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Work to expand Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is in limbo after Spokane County officials issued a grading permit for the project while the state Court of Appeals issued a preliminary injunction to halt the work.

The Spokesman-Review reports the injunction was issued in Tacoma Friday, the same day the ski resort received permits for the work.

The injunction was requested by opponents of the ski resort's expansion, including the Lands Council and former Spokane County Commissioner John Roskelley, who say the expansion would fragment valuable alpine habitat.

Opponents next must file a court brief supporting the injunction, with a response from the ski resort due by next week.

Ski area officials want to add 80 acres of groomed trails and another chairlift by next season.