Ross Fork district community center building renovation underway
Renovation at the Ross Fork Community Center building's kitchen.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Renovation is underway at the Ross Fork Community Center in the Ross Fork District of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.
Shoshone-Bannock Construction Services Manager Kimberly Dixey her department’s crew is doing the work on the building. The Fort Hall Business Council allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds for it, along with work on the Lincoln Creek Community Center and the Bannock Creek Community Center.
The estimated renovation costs for each building are: $888,852.22 for Ross Fork; $1.06 million for Bannock Creek and $1.84 million for Lincoln Creek. Dixey said the figures are estimates and more than likely will be less.
The plan for Eagle Lodge in the Gibson District and Buffalo Lodge in the Fort Hall District are for complete new facilities but the FHBC has to give final approval for it and the funding amount. She said pre-engineered steel buildings are proposed similar to a “barndominium.”
Ross Fork Community Center’s bathroom renovation.
Concerning the other districts, Ross Fork renovation is first, then Bannock Creek and Lincoln Creek follows.
Ross Fork renovation includes: upgrading electrical, complete kitchen renovation that includes a stainless steel three sink; a new HVAC system because the existing propane heating system doesn’t heat the entire building; bathrooms are being upgraded including ADA bathroom/shower in each of the men’s and women’s restrooms; plumbing is being updated; a new security system inside and outside of the building; a new roof and new siding on the exterior. She said there was heavy water damage on the insulation from the roof leaking.
Epoxy flooring is planned throughout the building. Tile will be put in the bathroom where the shower will go. Interior doors will be all natural wood. The room next to the kitchen will have data ports in the event the Tribal Office of Emergency Management will have to utilize. A backup generator will also be purchased.
Everything is being upgraded to meet code, Dixey said and any funds not utilized will return to the Tribes. She noted Ross Fork needed the least renovation of the two other smaller district buildings.
Dixey said the goal is to get the kitchen and bathrooms completed by Easter. They’re currently waiting on contracts for the electrician and plumber.
