Feds say St. Paul stairway would violate law

Proponents of a plan to rebuild the iconic green stairway on St. Paul's western bluffs say they're not giving up on the project. That's despite a U.S. attorney general's opinion that the steps would violate the federal law prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities.

For 93 years, the green steps connected bluff-dwellers to downtown St. Paul. But two years ago, a rockslide damaged the foundation and the stairway was torn down.

The city drew up plans for replacement steps and sought federal stimulus funds to rebuild. But federal officials raised concerns about violating the American with Disabilities Act because there was no access for the disabled.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports a group backing the project, the West Side Citizens Organization, is hoping there's a solution to federal concerns. Member Carl Swenson says they'll head "back to the drawing board." ---

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

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