Some contact between Transportation and tribe, but mum’s the word

Parties to the Hood Canal Bridge graving yard controversy talked to each other this weekend — but not to outside observers about what consensus, if any, they reached.

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles said Saturday it was the tribe’s choice “not to have anything happen until after Christmas.”

She added: “Then we’ll be getting together. The intention is to kind of give everyone a breather.”

State Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald said: “We’re just all talking and working things out. We’re just doing our discussion thing.

“It’s actually part of this process that we’re going through — we talk.”

MacDonald said he and other Department of Transportation officials communicated with Charles on Friday and Saturday.

As for conclusions from their conversations, he said, “I’m sorry I can’t point to a moment of decision.

“The problem is how not to exacerbate divisions. It’s amazing how this attracts people who want to foster divisions.”

PA City Council member

MacDonald said Transportation officials plan to meet Monday with a member of the Port Angeles City Council.

Members of the Washington Building Trades Council say they hope to meet with MacDonald on Tuesday.

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