Avista, in collaboration with the City of Spokane and The First Tee of the Inland Northwest, plans to take the lead to develop a proposal for remediation of the conservation land along the bluff on the South Hill.
“In the midst of this unfortunate misunderstanding, Avista’s focus is determining appropriate steps for remediation,” said Josh DiLuciano, Avista Director of Electrical Engineering. “Avista recognizes there is a need to move quickly and we are willing to facilitate that process for the benefit of the community and protection of the conservation area.”
DiLuciano said the parties involved today began to outline an approach to develop a restoration plan and associated timeline. He added that Avista, after consulting with the Washington Department of Ecology and other agencies, will take immediate steps to install erosion control measures to protect Hangman Creek.
“We share Avista’s priority to move quickly. We look forward to working with Friends of the Bluff, Comstock neighborhood, Bluff users and all stakeholders to determine restoration strategies that are the best fit,” said Leroy Eadie, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Spokane.
Within the week, DiLuciano said the parties expect to announce next steps and timing to engage stakeholder input to the restoration plan.
“Avista and the City have a long history of partnerships,” said Ben Stuckart, Spokane City Council President. “We look forward to working with Avista and other stakeholders on developing an immediate mitigation and long-term restoration plan for the Bluff.”
##
