NEAH BAY — U.S. Sen. Patty Murray checked in on progress made on the Makah Passage Road this week in a tour of the West End.
In her role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murray has secured funding for the project through requests for congressionally directed spending, both for the road and for the relocation of a tribal health center on the reservation.
Murray secured $2 million last year for the Makah Passage Road and $4.9 million for relocating the Makah Tribal health center, which previously had been located in a tsunami inundation zone.
Murray secured an additional $3.7 million this year for the Makah Passage Road, which is vital for travel because it’s one of only two roads into the reservation.
The other access road, state Highway 112, has washed out on multiple occasions, limiting travel to and from the reservation.
The Makah Passage Road is necessary as a tsunami evacuation route in addition to the daily functionality it offers.
“It was great to visit (Thursday) to meet with Makah Tribal leadership, hear more about the challenges they are facing, and get an update on critical improvements to the Makah Passage Road,” Murray said. “The funds I secured as chair of the Appropriations Committee for the Makah Passage Road are really important for the tribe to have redundant access in and out of their reservation, as well as an evacuation route for potential tsunamis.
“The Makah have contributed so much to our state, and I’m proud to be a partner in ensuring the tribe’s success and longevity.”
Murray said the road project is still in the permitting stage, undergoing feasibility studies. The Tribal Health Center is slated to be opened in its new location next spring, she said.
Murray and her team visited the Makah Cultural Center, where they saw artifact collections as well as exhibits featuring findings from the Lake Ozette archaeological site. They also traveled to Cape Flattery.
They spent time with Makah Tribal Chairman Timothy J. Greene Sr. and members of the tribal council.
“Really just the chance to hear from the tribal members how important their culture was to them, and what we need to continue to be doing at the federal level to support them,” Murray said.
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can be reached by email at elijah.sussman@sequimgazette.com.
