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October 22, 2014
The Makah Indian Tribe's economy was jeopardized last year when the causeway of its aging dock in Neah Bay collapsed under the weight of a forklift, rendering it off-limits to motorized equipment for ice and fish loading.
A news release from the National Development Council says as much as $10 million worth of fish crosses the dock every year, and more than 90 small businesses, mostly minority-owned fishing operations, depend on it for their livelihoods.
The incapacitated 1952 dock was recently replaced by a new $13.8 million dock that was designed to withstand 9.0 magnitude earthquakes and a 15-foot Tsunami. It was constructed by Manson Construction and designed by BergerABAM.
The 120-foot-long dock has expanded capabilities for loading and unloading fishing vessels, with six new cranes and two icing stations. It also has an ice house that can hold 110 tons of ice.
In addition to tribal use, the Olympic Peninsula region and the state use the dock to launch emergency vessel rescue and oil spill response operations in the area. A second phase of the dock is planned to expand its role in oil spill response.
Makah members earlier this month held a traditional tribal blessing ceremony and celebration for the dock.
The project was financed with multiple sources, including a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency, tribal funds, and New Markets Tax Credits from Wells Fargo and its nonprofit economic development partner, the National Development Council.