The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sided with Northwest tribes last week in a decision to block the largest proposed bulk-shipping terminal in North America at Cherry Point, Wash., finding it detrimental to treaty-protected tribal fishing rights.

"This is a big win for Lummi and for treaty rights and for Indian Country," said Tim Ballew II, chairman of the Lummi Indian Business Council.

The tribe sought to block the project to protect its fishing rights as well as the burial grounds and
village site of its ancestors at Cherry Point near Bellingham. The tribe's fight became a cause taken up not only by tribes around the Northwest on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border but also in communities from the Columbia River Gorge to

Bellingham and beyond opposed to the project because of its long-term investment in mining, transport and burning of coal.

Bob Watters, president of Pacific International Terminals LLC, the developer of the terminal, called the decision "astonishing," in a news release.

"This is an inconceivable decision," Watters wrote.

"Looking at the set of facts in the administrative summary it's quite obvious this is a political decision and not fact-based," Watters said. "PIT is considering all action alternatives."

For more of the Yakima Herald: www.yakimaherald.com

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