Inslee asked to increase water for Spokane River

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) _ Environmental groups are asking Gov. Jay Inslee to increase the summer time flows of the Spokane River, to improve recreation and to maintain the scenic falls in the middle of the state's second-largest city.

The groups on Tuesday asked Inslee to revisit an April decision by the state Department of Ecology, in which the agency rejected a petition requiring more water in the river.

The environmental groups say they are seeking to avoid litigation.

A spokeswoman says Inslee is aware of the issues and will review the letter.

The groups seek a minimum summer flow of 1,800 to 2,800 cubic feet per second in the river, to support fisheries and ecreation.

But the Department of Ecology set river flows at just 850 cfs.