CAÑON CITY – Opponents say they may appeal after a federal judge refused to stop a plan by the artist Christo to hang nearly six miles of silvery fabric in sections over the Arkansas River.

Members of Rags Over the Arkansas River say the project is potentially dangerous and destructive to traffic and fish.

A federal judge ruled Friday that there is no evidence that federal officials failed to comply with environmental laws as opponents said in their lawsuit.

Christo and his late wife Jeanne-Claude began scouting for a location for the temporary installation in the 1990s. After visiting 89 rivers in seven states, they chose the Arkansas River between Salida and Cañon City.

The project could begin as soon as 2018.

Grand Canyon lawsuit dismissed

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A federal lawsuit that raised objections to a proposed contract for services at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim has been dismissed.

Court documents filed this week show that Xanterra Parks & Resorts and the National Park Service agreed on the dismissal. Xanterra won’t be able to refile the lawsuit on the same grounds.

Xanterra had alleged in the lawsuit that a proposal for a new, 15-year contract would give an unfair advantage to a competitor and would result in a money-losing operation. The Park Service has canceled that proposal and hasn’t said when a new one might be issued.

Xanterra recently was awarded a temporary contract to continue running the most iconic hotels and restaurants, and mule rides at the South Rim through 2015.

Albuquerque officer shot during stop

ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque police say an officer who pulled over a suspected drunken driver was shot during the overnight traffic stop, and a search is underway for the gunman.

Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden told reporters the officer was shot around 2:30 a.m. Saturday after the motorist got out of the vehicle and began shooting.

Police spokesman Tanner Tixier says the officer was shot twice but was able to return fire. It’s unknown if the gunman was struck. Tixier says the gunman fled on foot.

Another police spokesman, Simon Drobik, says the officer underwent surgery Saturday afternoon and was recovering.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has offered a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Police say the officer is a 30-year veteran of the force.

Navajo Nation opens detox center

GALLUP, N.M. – Some officials are questioning the Navajo Nation’s claim it has spent more than $1 million operating a Gallup detox facility.

The Gallup Independent reports that the Navajo Nation Department of Behavioral Health Services says $1.6 million was spent in the first year of operation of the Gallup Detox Center.

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie sponsored the report during a special council session Dec. 30.

State Sen. George Muñoz, a Democrat from Gallup, and Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney say they have not seen any documentation showing money spent and what it was spent on.

Muñoz claims he was told in mid-December that half a million dollars had been spent.

Health Service Administrator Theresa Galvan says the figure was updated to include purchases of new furniture and equipment.

Associated Press