PORT ANGELES — The first of a series of agreements aimed at restarting work at the state Department of Transportation graving yard could be reached as early as today.
Meanwhile, Lower Elwha Klallam officials thanked local officials for asking the community for understanding, patience and respect of the tribe as it tries to protect its cultural heritage.
Tribal officials say they are as anxious as the rest of the community to get work restarted at the graving yard — but that the work must be done properly and with respect for the dead.
State Rep. Jim Buck and city officials revealed Thursday that Klallam remains had been uncovered in about 1915 but were then desecrated and used as “backfill in excavations and pipe trenches” when a mill was constructed on what is today the graving yard site.
Transportation officials shut down construction of the $17 million graving yard Aug. 26 after the re-discovery of the dismembered remains — 11 adults and one infant — along with artifacts.
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The rest of the story appears in the Friday/Saturday Peninsula Daily News.
