S. Ore. tribe opens I-5 rest area; state closes 2

CANYONVILLE, Ore. (AP) — A Southern Oregon tribe has opened a freeway rest area just off Interstate 5.

The Roseburg News-Review says the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians hopes to entice some of the travelers who stop there to go to its casino, hotels and other tourist businesses.

The tribe’s area is likely to draw more traffic as the state of Oregon closes two nearby rest stops.

One has already been converted to a weigh station, and another is slated to close after Labor Day.

State officials tell the paper repairs at the two area would cost $2 million, and the state will save $25,000 a year by closing them. They also say there are no plans for other privately-held rest areas.

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Information from: The News-Review, http://www.nrtoday.com