The Nisqually Tribe intends to build a village and resort on property it owns north of Interstate 5 near the outdoors store Cabela's, tribal chairman Willie Frank III confirmed on Friday.
But beyond that, Frank wasn't ready to say much more. He said the 260-acre parcel first needs to be put into trust and that process, which began Friday and includes working with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, could take from 1-4 years to complete.
The BIA, a division of the U.S. Department of Interior, puts land into trust on behalf of tribes, meaning the federal government would own the land but give control of the property to the tribe, The Olympian has previously reported.
Although Frank wasn't able to share many details of what the tribe is calling the Quiemuth Village and Quiemuth Resort, he was optimistic about both, saying they will create jobs for tribal members and residents in the area.
"We look at it as a win-win for everyone," he said.
The land near Cabela's was once slated to become the Lacey Gateway project, a mixed-use development pitched by a local developer who ultimately lost the property through foreclosure. The tribe and Bellevue-based developer Mon Wig bought the land around 2017, then the tribe took full control of it in 2020, Frank said.
The Olympian first learned of the proposal on Thursday, after Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder asked for the city council's approval to send a letter of support to the tribe. The details of the letter were not mentioned, so The Olympian a public records request Thursday night and received the letter on Friday.
"I am pleased to provide this letter affirming the council's support of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's plans to develop the Quiemuth Village and Quiemuth Resort on tribal-owned property located within the city of Lacey," the mayor writes.
Ryder could not be reached for comment on Friday.
He goes on to praise the accord signed between the city and tribe in 2014.
"The accord recognizes the shared interests of the Nisqually Indian Tribe and the city of Lacey and sets the foundation for continued partnership to enhance environmental and resource stewardship, education, economic sustainability, community services and cultural and historical preservation for the benefit of tribal members and the Lacey community. The development of Quiemuth Village and Quiemuth Resort will build on these shared interests.
"We look forward to working with you on the development of the Quiemuth Village and Quiemuth Resort, developing a cooperation agreement, and continuing our partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe for the benefit of our shared community."
Frank acknowledged that it has taken years for a project to materialize for that land, but by taking baby steps, the tribe will get it right for everybody's benefit.
"We have a great opportunity," he said.
