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Siletz Tribe Proposes Significant North Salem Road Improvements

January 10, 2022 – Today the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians announced its plan to invest millions in road improvements surrounding the proposed Siletz Casino Project site in North Salem once it is approved. The improvements are intended to support additional traffic flow expected from the Siletz Casino Project, slated to be built on the Tribes’ trust property located off Interstate 5, near exit 258.

Proposed improvements include extending existing lanes, adding new lanes or installing new traffic lights at five key intersections. The Tribe has committed to cover the percentage of the costs these road improvements that professional studies show will be associated with the new casino. To maximize these investments, the Tribe has discussed pairing construction with further improvements planned by the Oregon Department of Transportation in the same area. The Tribe has also expressed its willingness to incorporate bus and light rail stops at the project site to increase public transportation accessibility.

The plan is informed by a detailed traffic study that examined 20 intersections surrounding the proposed Siletz Casino Project site. The traffic study was conducted by Kittelson and Associates, an Oregon-based civil engineering firm, in coordination with staff from the City of Salem, City of Keizer, Oregon Department of Transportation and Marion County. The study examined existing transportation systems including volumes from transit, bicycle and pedestrian traffic in the project area.

As part of project construction, the Tribe will complete the traffic mitigation measures identified below or make an in-lieu fair share contribution equivalent to the cost of the mitigation measures identified to fund completion. The mitigation measures include:

  • Chemawa Road NE/I-5 Southbound Ramps: Implement the existing striped second eastbound right-turn lane and construct a second on-ramp receiving lane.
  • Chemawa Road NE/I-5 Northbound Ramps: Construct a westbound right-turn lane with 150 feet of storage.
  • OR-99E/Chemawa Road NE-Hazelgreen Road NE: Extend the existing eastbound right-turn lane to provide 300 feet of storage.
  • OR-99E/Kale Street NE: Construct a northbound right-turn lane with 150 feet of storage.
  • OR-99E/Lancaster Drive NE: Install a traffic signal.
  • OR-99E/Astoria Street NE-Ward Drive NE: Construct a southbound right-turn lane with 150 feet of storage and extend the existing northbound left-turn lane to provide 575 feet of storage.

The proposed road improvements are one component addressed in the Siletz Casino Project’s full Environmental Assessment (EA) released by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The EA assesses the environmental impacts resulting from the development of a gaming facility and hotel by the Siletz Tribe on federal land that has been held in trust for the Tribe since 2000.

The EA identifies potential impacts and includes measures that will be used to address and mitigate any identified impacts. For more information about the EA, visit: https://siletz.org/siletz-casino-project-one-step-closer-to-federal-approval/

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The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a confederation of all the Tribes of western Oregon. In the 1800s Siletz ancestors were removed from their homelands and moved to the Siletz Reservation on the coast. Its Tribal headquarters is located in Siletz, Oregon and the Tribe has operated government offices in Salem, Portland, Eugene, Lincoln City and Siletz for over 40 years.


AN INVESTMENT IN SALEM'S FUTURE

HELP BRING THE SILETZ CASINO PROJECT TO SALEM

From the locals who will work at the property, to the local businesses who benefit from having more visitors in town, an endeavor like this is an investment in Salem's future. This project is a unique opportunity to add thousands of living wage jobs, spur economic growth, bring world-class entertainment, uplift Tribal communities and capitalize on significant infrastructure modernizations.

In addition, the project includes a unique revenue-sharing proposal. The Siletz Tribe plans to share a percentage of the net revenue with eligible participating Oregon tribes, many of whom are located in rural areas. The State of Oregon and local governments like the City of Salem will also receive a percentage of the net revenue, which will be reinvested into community improvements and programs. Please, listen to our community and say yes to this investment in Salem’s future.