A conservation group has filed another lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, saying the agency incorrectly granted a Clean Water Act permit to the Idaho Transportation Department for its project realigning U.S. Highway 95 from Thorn Creek Road to Moscow.
Paradise Ridge Defense Coalition filed the lawsuit March 22nd in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. The case is the fourth time the nonprofit group has challenged plans to reroute the last two-lane sections between Moscow and Lewiston and expand it to four lanes.
The coalition previously submitted a legal complaint against the Federal Highway Administration and the Idaho Transportation Department in April 2017 regarding the project’s Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. They say the chosen route, located farthest to the east, is the most environmentally damaging of the three routes that were considered. According to the coalition, the path threatens big game habitat and destroys several wetlands.
The latest lawsuit claims the proposed construction involves discharging fill material into Paradise Ridge wetlands, which is prohibited by the Clean Water Act without a permit.
The coalition’s lawsuit does not seek any damages, only an injunction against the project.
The planned four-lane highway is expected to open to traffic in October 2024. (Lewiston Tribune)
