This week, a three-judge federal appeals court panel upheld a ruling that clears the way for construction of the controversial South Lawrence Trafficway. But the attorney leading the fight against the trafficway says the battle may not yet be over. Bob Eye ("eye"), who's also running for Congress in the Second Congressional District, says the groups that oppose the construction are now examining their legal options.
The latest court ruling affirmed that the government followed the correct process in selecting the proposed route for the roadway, which will connect Kansas Highway 10 to the existing, western leg of the trafficway. Plaintiffs have sought to block the road's construction, saying that it would harm the Baker Wetlands and their cultural significance. The wetlands are located south of Haskell Indian Nations University. The $150 million construction project is slated to begin in 2013.