$55 million Convention Center project should give voters more, not less river access

A group of kayakers float down the Spokane River, one of several hands-on presentations the Spokane River Forum has created to educate the community about the value of the river. Rather than present traditional lectures, the forum invites people to travel down stretches of the river. (Courtesy Spokane River Forum)

UPDATE: Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.: Tentative agreement reached on Spokane River boat access at Division Street.

RIVERS -- Plans for the voter funded $55-$65 million expansion of the Spokane Convention Center are advancing to the construction stage, but Public Facilities District officials continue to suggest that maintaining viable public river access at Division Street Bridge for rafts, kayaks, paddle boards and outfitters is not their priority.

I wrote about this in April when the designs were being approved.

I wrote about it again today as the PFD readies to begin digging without giving a commitment to a viable boat access when the construction is complete.

Unbelievable.

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