Nooksack Tribe announces

(WASHINGTON) -- The Nooksack Indian Tribe is proud to announce a major community and economic development project recently approved by the Nooksack Tribal Council. The success of this project will have lasting, positive benefits for the community and will address current and future economic needs throughout eastern Whatcom County.

The project represents at least a $20 million investment in the economic vitality of the area. It will require the conversion of approximately 85 acres of land currently owned by our Tribe to trust status, a process that is currently underway. We are working closely with the county to address issues related to the transfer of lands presently subject to local taxation and jurisdiction.

The Nooksack development adds value to the region and complements the natural beauty of our lands. It is our strong desire to share new amenities with the local school district, local residents and the community at large. Components of the project include:
* A Natural Sciences Theater featuring an Interpretive Center,
Auditorium, Activity/Exploration Center and Lab
* A Tribal Artist Demonstration Center featuring totem pole, canoe and
mask carving, bead work, and other traditional tribal activities
* Four first-class softball and little league baseball fields
* A new and expanded child care center
* Natural wetlands and eagle viewing areas
* A tram to provide full access from the Interpretive Center to the
ridge top with a scenic lookout view.
* Trails, walking paths and a pedestrian bridge over the Nooksack
River
* A recreational-vehicle park with full hookups and showers
* Park and picnic areas

Anchoring this development on current reservation lands will be an expansion of the Tribe's successful casino enterprise. Plans for a 75-room hotel with day spa and restaurants will follow the Casino's Northwest-lodge motif.

Together these elements will build a foundation for economic development throughout eastern Whatcom County. Our plans to hire an additional 150 employees will provide annual local tax benefits of nearly $150,000, according to the Washington State Dept. of Revenue 1998 tax study. And by the end of the three-to-five-year development period, the project will employ 375 people, maintain an $8.5 million payroll, increase revenues to more than $28 million annually, and deliver a recurring local economic impact estimated at $40 million.

This project will also strengthen our partnerships with local citizens, county government, local school districts, and the business community. Community leaders are already speaking out in support of the project. Mike Brennan, president of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry, says, "The Tribe, Mt. Baker School District, and Whatcom County Parks have for years discussed the opportunities of combining their efforts to more effectively offer more recreational capacities for residents-especially kids-in the eastern unincorporated area. This plan is the first real step towards those goals."

"The obvious need for employment in the eastern county would [also] be addressed as this project comes on line. It would offer a variety of employment opportunities, especially in the visitor market. Additionally, it would act as a catalyst for other commercial investment as well as continuous job creation."

Dr. Richard Gantman, superintendent of Mount Baker School District #507, is also enthusiastic about the development. He says, "The project will bring much needed commercial, community and cultural activities to the greater Deming area. Furthermore, the Nooksack Tribe has been an excellent neighbor to the Mount Baker School District, and I am certain that the continued development of the Tribal lands will give the Tribe and the District many opportunities to enhance our partnership."

For our Tribe it is a significant step toward diversifying our economy. We hope the community recognizes and joins our effort as a government to make a lasting contribution to the region, spur new economic activity and create new opportunities for county residents.

For more information about the Nooksack Tribe please call Tribal Chairman Art George at 360-592-5176 x3212. For more information about the project, please call Casino General Manager Kevin Hogan at 360-360-592-5472. #