Planning & Economic Development Department

PEDD Vision: Honoring our Past and Preserving the Future of the Spokane Tribe of Indians by ensuring that all lands within the jurisdiction of the Tribe are preserved, protected, and enhanced through best land use policy, long-range planning to achieve sustainable community development, infrastructure development, economic development, and safe & adequate transportation planning.

PEDD August 2023 Updates

Working on both Casino property development projects. This includes Mistequa Hotel, STC Phase 2B and STC Phase 3, along with master plans for each property.
Working on the following CARES/ARPA funded projects:
- DV Modular Office Project
- PowWow and Longhouse Generators
- Longhouse Upgrades Project
- Boys & Girls Club Inspection/Upgrades
- West End Community Center Gymnasium A&E Project
- PowWow Grounds Electrical Upgrades
Interested Tribal Small Business Owners who are seeking loan capital, reach out to James Best for more information about ATNI’s Regional Strategy for the Treasury SSBCI program. The Tribe is a member of this Regional Strategy.
Working with Sazan Group Inc. to complete the Strategic Energy Plan for the Tribe. This plan is an integral piece needed to apply for future energy funding.
The DOE – Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid Formula Grants to States and Indian Tribes is being applied for our first two years of funding allocations. We will have to reapply for FY24 and FY25 in a separate application, and FY26 is a separate application as well. We are working with Avista and Public Works on these efforts.
Collaborating with the city of Chewelah on developing their Parks and Rec Open Space Master Plan. This will create a trail throughout the city and through our Mistequa property in Chewelah.
New Longhouse kitchen equipment has been ordered and will be installed in the Longhouse during the week of August 21^st-25^th. The facility will be closed during the week for the installation of the new equipment.
Exploring Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Wellpinit on STOI property (i.e., the Administration Building, the Clinic, Public Safety Building (PSB), etc.) with Avista.
Applied for DOT Tribal Transit Program for a new transit bus garage. The current bus garage is at capacity and the Moccasin Express team has outgrown the space.
Working on updating the Stickgame Hall at the PowWow Grounds. This work includes irrigation, replacing any rotten wood, and replacing wooden benches/seating.
Working with the City of Spokane’s Parks & Recreation team to complete preliminary A&E work at our Snxwmene Island in Riverfront Park. We received a WA State RCO PRA grant to complete some A&E work for this project. We are in the bidding process for selecting a consulting firm to take the lead on the A&E work.
The 2022 HUD ICDBG award funding will be used to construct 5 new low-rent homes on the reservation. 4 will be located in Kokanee Meadows and 1 will be located in West End. We will continue to keep the community updated on this project. PEDD is working with SIHA to get this project moving forward. The 4 Kokanee Meadows Homes Construction Project is out for bid and will close 8/22/23. Here is the link to the RFP: https://www.spokanetribe.com/kokanee-meadows-construction-4-homes/
Starting a 477 Economic Development Plan that is specific to the 477 Program and its clientele. This will be the foundation for the 477 Program’s Economic Development Program. The RFP is currently out and will close 8/11/23. Here is the link to the RFP: https://www.spokanetribe.com/477-economic-development-plan/
James is also taking the lead on the 477 Mobile Tiny Home Construction and Workforce Training project. We have contracted with Frame Your Future and Spokane Home Builders Association to take the lead on construction and training services for this project. We hope to start in late summer and complete the project before the end of the construction season (5-7 weeks). Trainee Positions have been posted and applications are available by request from James Best or Marlene Orr, or you can pick one up at any STOI 477/TANF Office or the STOI TERO Office.
Collaborating with UCUT on the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction grant application. UCUT will be submitting a join application on behalf of all UCUT member Tribes. This funding will provide our region with a collaborative Climate Pollution Reduction Plan that we can utilize to strategically reduce our carbon footprint and enhance green energy practices.
PEDD and PWUD are working collaboratively to address the cemetery capacity issues on the reservation. A recent SIR cemetery survey has revealed that the Wellpinit and Ford communities are in the most need for either an expansion at a current cemetery if possible, or a new cemetery constructed. The West End cemeteries are not at the same level of capacity as Wellpinit and Ford’s, but they are not far behind. We will conduct a plan now for the West End community’s cemeteries for future expansion when the time comes.
The Presbyterian Church was cleaned out on 8/11/23. Next, we will schedule for the asbestos to be abated prior to scheduling the demolition.