Chehalis tribe gets approval for Olympia resort

GRAND MOUND – The federal government has approved tribal leaders’ plans to build an $85 million resort south of Olympia near Interstate 5.

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation wants to build a four-story, 300-room resort at the 43-acre site designated federal trust land by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The designation Friday gives the tribe jurisdiction over the property instead of Thurston County, said Jeff Warnke, a spokesman for the tribe. It also clears the way for the tribe to finalize negotiations for construction of Great Wolf Lodge, which would include a 50,000-square-foot indoor water park, 30,000-square-foot conference center, family restaurants, an arcade, gift shop, spa, fitness center and outdoor recreation area.

Associated Press

Seattle: Challenger endorses Cantwell

Mark Wilson, who had challenged incumbent Sen. Maria Cantwell in the Democratic primary, now plans to endorse the senator at a news conference today, according to a news release from Cantwell’s office.

Amanda Mahnke, a spokeswoman for Cantwell, would not comment beyond Saturday’s press release.

Wilson, a businessman and former Marine, had been running as an anti-war Democrat and gained backing from peace activist Cindy Sheehan.

While Cantwell has supported the Iraq War, Wilson has called for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces. He also advocated repeal of the Patriot Act and redirecting federal funds from fighter jets and tanks to alternative energy.

In 2004, Wilson ran against Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., on the Green Party ticket.

Associated Press

Yakima: Chinook Pass mudslide cleared

A section of state Highway 410 over Chinook Pass in the Cascades that was hit by mudslides earlier this week has been cleared of mud and debris, the state Department of Transportation said Thursday night.

Both lanes were clear and two-way traffic resumed as of 9 p.m. Thursday along a 19-mile stretch of highway east of the summit.

Associated Press