:LJ[PVU ( 7HNL tacomaweekly.com -YPKH` 4HYJO
PUYALLUP TRIBAL IMPACT TRIBAL IMPACT
SUPPORTING THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF OUR COMMUNITY
Over the years, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians has transformed itself and its role in the community. The Tribe’s determined protection of its natural resources, its pivotal role in development of Tacoma’s port area, the Tribe’s major donations to other governments and to charitable organizations, the new-concept Tahoma Market gas station and convenience store, and the development and expansion of the Tribe’s Emerald Queen Casinos are examples of the Puyallup Tribe’s economic progress. Through its two Emerald Queen Casino locations, Administration, Health Authority, Housing Authority, economic development corporation and school, the Puyallup Tribe is one of the largest employers in Pierce County with a payroll of more than 3,500 people – 74 percent of whom are non-Native – and total spending in 2011 of nearly $430 million. This spending supports the community by paying good wages and generous benefits to individuals, and by purchasing goods and services from local suppliers, vendors, contractors and construction companies. Assistance provided to the broader Native American community and the Puyallup Tribal membership also has a far-reaching impact in the community as most of these dollars are in turn spent in the local economy. The Puyallup Tribe is continuously living up to its name, which means, “generous and welcoming behavior to all people.” As such, the Tribe is a key sponsor of countless local charities, non-profit organizations, social welfare projects and events that may otherwise suffer in today’s tight economy. Despite economic uncertainties across the country, the South Sound is doing well, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians plays a key role in keeping that a reality. From funding education, jobs, healthcare, city improvement projects, crime prevention and environmental efforts, the Tribe’s tradition as the “generous people” is as strong today as it ever was.
Millions in Funding for Local Governments Each year the Puyallup Tribe distributes 2 percent of its gaming revenue from its two Emerald Queen Casino locations to local governments. Over the years the Tribe has provided millions of dollars to fund vital projects and services, and in these current times of economic uncertainty and struggle, funding from the Tribe is most welcome as state and municipal governments slash their budgets and lay off workers to help make ends meet. Decisions on how to distribute this money is made by the Community Contribution Committee, which consists of representatives of the Puyallup Tribe, the Cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, and Fife, Pierce County, and the Washington State Gambling Commission. This year’s approved distribution was for $1.9 million and was awarded as follows: The City of Fife was approved to receive $850,000, an amount determined by an interlocal agreement between the City and the Tribe. These funds go toward a host of community improvement projects that have ranged from police and fire protection to road improvements such as implementing high-occupancy vehicle lanes along Fife’s stretch of Interstate 5. The City of Puyallup was approved to receive $38,500 for automatic vehicle locators for Puyallup Police Department. Beginning in January, these will be installed in all of the City’s
police cars, which will allow officers to have a moving map on their computers and transmit their locations to the dispatch center. When dispatchers receive 911 calls, they will be able to send the patrol car that is closest to the location of the emergency. The City of Tacoma was approved to receive $798,237. Of this amount, $188,454 will go to law enforcement costs related to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma. Another $541,783 goes to Tacoma Fire Department, which in 2011 provided fire and medical response 525 times to the casinos. And $68,000 goes to the City Attorney’s Office to pay for prosecuting crimes related to casino operations. Pierce County was approved to receive $85,431 for emergency management services. This covers the cost of assigning county employees to assist the Tribe in preparing to deal with natural disasters. The Tribe agreed to fully fund the County’s $148,051 request as there were not enough 2% funds available. An additional $62,620 will thus be paid from the Tribe’s general fund. Washington State Patrol was approved to receive $150,000 for costs associated with mitigating traffic safety issues on state highways impacted by casino patrons.
Tacoma Fire Department received $541,783 from the Tribe.
Partnering to Improve Local Transportation The Tribe has recognized the need to partner with local jurisdictions to improve local transportation. In the past five years, the Tribe has spent more than $27 million on transportation projects and traffic safety services in neighboring areas. These are largely done in collaboration with state and local governments to benefit the region’s growing traffic infrastructure, which helps everyone. Projects range from lighting & safety improvements, bridges, to reconstruction projects. These projects provide hundreds of jobs to local engineers, tradesmen, environmental and cultural resource consultants, construction contractors, and the like.
Tribal funding allowed for the replacement of the Huckleberry Bridge in Greenwater (Pierce County).
RECENT PROJECTS INCLUDE: Huckleberry Bridge: Replacement of a 90ft span bridge, including an access road to the bridge. The project was done under agreement with the Forest Service; the Tribe met the requirements of federal environmental law (NEPA) and will be responsible for bridge maintenance after the project is completed. The project went out to bid in 2011 and construction began
in August 2011. The project is now finished and operational. The Tribe recently received a best project management award for this project by the Regional Bureau of Indian Affairs for completing the project under budget and coordinating with non-tribal jurisdictions for fish restoration. Grandview Avenue & R Street: Reconstruction projects that include adding sidewalk, curbs, gutters, lighting, and stormwater drainage. Permitted through the City of Tacoma. Paving was completed in September 2012. Pacific Highway, Fife: Development of civil engineering, right of way identification and planning for the installation of storm water and utilities in a three lane road between Pacific Highway South and 12th Avenue. The development of the roadway and utilities is to enhance traffic circulation and thus traffic safety of the general public and to provide an alternative access point for ingress/egress to the 54th Street interchange with I-5 where the service level is below standard. Project design began in 2009. The first phase of the project was completed and opened to traffic in March 2012.
For more information about the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, visit www.puyallup-tribe.com.