By Paul Maryniak | East Valley Tribune
Federal and state attorneys have raised the specter of mounting taxpayer costs if a judge halts construction of the South Mountain Freeway while her ruling is under appeal.
The exchange of legal arguments was filed in connection with opponents’ request to U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa for an injunction blocking further freeway work until the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit could consider their appeal of her August decision against them.
The arguments were made by the U.S. Attorney’s office and lawyers for both the Gila River Indian Community and Ahwatukee-based Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children.
