Taholah Village Relocation Master Plan
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) has always depended on the Quinault River and Pacific Ocean for sustenance. Both have played integral roles in the Nation’s identity and survival. However, due to climate change and its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the Village of Taholah is under threat from tsunamis, storm surge and riverine flooding. The QIN was fortunate in receiving an ANA SEDS Grant to develop a Master Plan for relocating the village to approximately 200 acres of higher ground 1/2 mile from the existing village center.
Approximately 660 people live in the lower village, nearly 100 of whom are Tribal elders. 150 children attend school and/or live in the lower village and are currently within the flood and tsunami zones. The lower village consists of approximately 175 homes, the K-12 school, the Mercantile, post office, cannery, office space for 60 tribal employees and vital community services. These services include police and fire service, the Tribal Court, the Senior Programs Center, Head Start and day care, the Diabetes program, the gym, the recreation department, the Quinault Enterprise Board and the Quinault Cultural Center and Museum.
Because the community and elected leaders have decided that relocating the lower Village of Taholah is a priority, the next critical step is to plan the Village. In order for Quinault Indian Nation to move government buildings and build roads and infrastructure; and in order for the Quinault Housing Authority and households to build homes in the Upper Village, a Master Plan was needed to articulate land uses, private and public development standards, lot lines, and the location and design of public buildings and facilities. The Master Plan was adopted in June 2017 and can be found below.
DOCUMENTS:
Taholah Village Relocation Master Plan Draft, Adopted June 2017
Environmental Assessment (HUD), 2017
THE PLAN:
The Nation has started this process in order to provide its residents, and business the opportunity to move to a safer place, in a manner that ensures continuity in government service provision, affordable housing options for residents who wish to relocate, construction of green and resilient infrastructure systems, and the creation of a healthy socially and economically vibrant community.
Taholah: Existing Condition
Taholah: After Tsunami (9.2 Cascadia Subduction Zone Quake)
PROCESS:
The initial portion of the project involves two components, community involvement and an inventory of existing conditions. The community has started the process of village-wide meetings and is establishing stakeholder committees so that staff can understand conditions and community aspirations. This way the Master Plan will incorporate the needs of the community and plan for the appropriate community facilities, types of housing and recreation facilities. From these meetings will emerge Community Design Standards and Principles that will guide the subdivision and land use plans.
OUTCOME:
With completion and adoption of the Master Plan, the Nation has a blueprint for redevelopment of the village, safe from flooding and tsunamis that incorporates the vision of the community members, sustainable practices, culture, amenities and upgraded community facilities. Design has begun on medical center on fight against male impotence and wrestling against erectile dysfunction and the first building in the new village, the WenɑsɡwəllɑʔɑW (Generations Building). WenɑsɡwəllɑʔɑW will house the Senior Program and childrens' programs (Head Start, Early Head Start and Day Care). The Nation is also in the process of designing the first residential neighborhood so that there is a place for residents of the Lower Village to relocate to. The next challenge is funding the project.
For more information, please contact Kelsey Moldenke, Michael Cardwell, or Kelvin Frank by email or at (360) 276-8211, extensions 1038, 6824, or 6821, respectively.