OAK HARBOR, Wash. (AP) — The finding of three sets of American Indian remains in Oak Harbor is delaying a $7 million construction project while tribes, the city and the state decide how to move forward.
But the state’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation says the delay could have been avoided if the city had followed their suggestion to employ an archaeologist. The construction site sits near a known archaeological site. The skeletons could be hundreds of years old.
The Herald of Everett reports that construction has been stopped for two days after the remains were discovered on June 16, but city officials can’t say how long the delay will be. The project is meant to make Oak Harbor more pedestrian-friendly to attract more foot traffic.
Mayor Jim Slowik says he has asked for a review of why the recommendation was not followed.
