Construction process begins on Bannock Creek Community Center
Wide view of Bannock Creek Community Center area where the old main building was cleared to make space for the new building.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
BANNOCK CREEK — This year Bannock Creek District residents will have a new building to replace their old one, which began to show damage over time.
Shoshone Bannock Tribes Construction Services Manager, Kimberly Dixey, explained, “We have a request for the pre-engineered steel building contractor. Once the selection is made the building will take up to six months to be designed, engineered and fabricated for construction.”
The pre-engineered steel building is about 4,000 square feet and will be put up against the one there now. The final cost of the project is unknown at this time, but $1 million has been allocated to it.
Dixey says they’re working with Bannock Creek district representatives and getting input from community members on feedback. They want this new facility to last well into the next 20 to 30 years.
“It is important for the Tribal community to know that the council recognized the need to upgrade and renovate each district by allocating ARPA funds and they have been positive and supportive,” said Dixey. “They understand the Tribes won’t get this kind of funding again.”
Side view of where the pre-engineered steel building will be placed.
Ross Fork District’s Community Center had renovations starting last spring and was completed in October. The facility’s been used for events and family gatherings. During the recent snowstorm and power outage the Community Center was utilized since it had a generator installed. It also has showers that were appreciated during the Sundance for visitors. As well as a large kitchen, equipped for cooking.
This is the goal for all districts, to have a safe place to gather in case of emergencies.
Dixey said they have 11 tribal members working on the renovations on the district projects along with local supplies, subcontractors, and three field Superintendents who work with the crew. The Superintendents have both carpentry skills and one is a Heavy Equipment Operator that does all the site work for installation of water and sewer utilities. In the Office they have a Contract Admin that helps with the budget tracking and all the paperwork that goes with the projects.
“The staff range from rough carpenters to finish carpenters and four apprentices through the TERO program. BAHM Electric has been working alongside the Construction Services staff in completing the renovations along with Idaho Plumbing Contractors and Vogt’s Heating and Air,” she said.
Construction Services is also working on the Buffalo Lodge and Eagle Lodge Districts for the same type of building, which will measure approximately 7,000 square feet.
