The first recorded direct contact between European culture and what is now known as the Skokomish Indian Tribe dates back to 1792.

Since then the Tribe has weathered storms, both literal and cultural, and proudly remains in their aboriginal territory, in the Hood Canal drainage basin of western Washington.

Today the Tribe is actively working in that saltwater region, diversifying its economy and adding infrastructure, utilities, housing and community services.

SCJ Alliance has been a proud partner in many of these endeavors, designing several roadway projects and a force main sewer system, delineating and making mitigation recommendation related to wetlands on a new community center site, repairing a culvert for a sensitive salmon-bearing stream near a waterfront hotel, and assisting with other general construction services.

As part of a continuing, decade-long housing project for Tribal members, SCJ provided alternate access to the new housing area with the federally funded t3ba’das Pelican Road project. The project included 3,200 lineal feet of new paved roadway and grading pads for the residential lots, a Membrane Bioreactor plant and water reuse facilities.

Approximately 300,000 cubic yards of material was excavated and placed within the Tribal lands, a sizable change for an area with such history.

“This road project was so exciting because of the significant amount of grading and the accelerated design pace,” SCJ Vice President Bob Jewell said, serving as project manager. “I’ve never seen a contractor so happy playing in the dirt with their big equipment.”

“It was a great feeling to get something so substantial done in the expedited timeline that worked for our clients,” Bob said. “The history of the land and our clients’ connection to it, made it all the more exceptional. We highly value our relationship with the Skokomish Indian Tribe.”