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State-of-the-art facility signals nation’s growth |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 29 March 2010 |
State-of-the-art facility signals nation’s growth
By Staff reports
Story Published: Mar 29, 2010
SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Seneca Nation executives, councilors and community members gathered March 24 to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the opening of a new $30 million administration building on the Allegany territory.
The construction project, which began in October 2008, is a three-story 90,000-square-foot structure that was designed by a Native American-owned firm, Two Row Architect from Six Nations, Ontario and Buffalo-based firm Kideney Architects. The facility will house the nation’s governmental offices and meeting rooms and features a Grand Hall and state-of-the-art, high-tech Council Chambers.
Leaders of the Seneca Nation remarked upon the significance of the new building.
“In many ways, today is a day of new beginnings for the Seneca Nation,” said President Barry Snyder. “With the opening of this beautiful new administrative complex, we take another step forward in the history of the Seneca Nation. This building is more than just a new home for our government, or a place where important community issues will be discussed and decisions will be made. This wood and stone foundation signifies our growth, both in terms of numbers and economic position; it personifies our perseverance through hardship and the dark days of Kinzua; it demonstrates our collective ability to take on new challenges and deliver; and it is the platform from which we will sharpen our vision for the future.”
Seneca Nation Treasurer Jacquelyn Bowen commended the nation’s Capital Improvements Authority, which has overseen a series of construction and infrastructure projects since 2008. “This building before us has evolved out of need, but didn’t just jump off the page of a blueprint. It has come to fruition with much thanks owed to a team effort by the nation’s Capital Improvements Authority, the Seneca Management Construction Corporation and more than a dozen contractors who have worked collaboratively through to completion.”
The design incorporates native stone and wood materials for the interior and exterior, blending in with the natural landscape of the Allegany foothills. The new office building will accommodate up to 200 nation employees and house the nation’s executive, legislative and judicial offices, including other programs and departments that serve the Seneca Nation.
The construction project was funded by the Seneca Nation’s Capital Improvements Authority through a $160 million federal bond issue designed to improve infrastructure on the nation’s two territories and better meet community needs with updated facilities. The CIA identified 18 projects to be developed across the two territories; six of which have now been completed and 12 more, which are in progress. Other projects include health service facility expansion, water treatment and sewer upgrades, two community centers and a new convenience store enterprise.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/northeast/89265142.html |
