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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
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Judge Advances Rhode Island Wind Farm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (CN) — Refusing to block construction of the nation's first offshore wind farm, a federal judge rejected claims that the Narragansett Indian Tribe faces irreparable harm.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. made the findings at a hearing Monday on the tribe's motion for a preliminary restraining order and injunction.

In a federal complaint filed Friday, the tribe had claimed that those overseeing the construction of the five wind turbines made an "unanticipated archeological discovery," but did not properly report it.

The artifacts were subsequently destroyed after being mishandled, which violates the National Historic Preservation Act, the 15-page complaint states.

Narangansett Indians once lived on the land that is now underwater. "The current plan provides for further destruction of historic sites and artifacts," they said.

The Associated Press has reported that construction is taking place near submerged ceremonial sites and burial grounds.

A website for Deepwater Wind says the project is due to be completed by the end of the year.

The Narragansett tribe's lawsuit takes aim at 15 defendants including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission, and National Grid.

Michael De Luc with Gidley, Sarli & Marusak represents the tribe.

De Luc has not returned a call for comment.

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