Tribal Council Tours Progress of Former-IGA Building Construction

Mar 1, 2023

Pictured in photo: (Back: Left – right) Dewey Thompson, Colleen Thomas, Sub-Chief Derrick King, Eric Oathout, Jarrod Terrance, Sub-Chief Benjamin Herne, Ryan Benedict, Robert Cole.
(Front Left -- Right) Tribal Chief Ron Lafrance Jr., Sub-Chief Agnes “Sweets” Jacobs, Darren Rourke, Curry McComber, Tribal Chief Beverly Cook, Tribal Chief Michael Conners.

AKWESASNE – Full of excitement and anticipation to restore an important Tribal Government asset and bring many Tribal programs closer together, Tribal Council recently toured the former-IGA Building construction site. On Tuesday, February 21, 2023 the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal (SRMT) Council was greeted by members of the Ironworkers local 440 who are working on the steel erection and construction of the future public service building.

This project is overseen by the SRMT Planning & Infrastructure (P&I) Division team and contracted engineers from Beardsley Architects & Engineers. SRMT P&I Director Colleen Thomas, Capital Projects Manager Dewey Thompson and Clerk of the Works Chris Thomas provide daily project oversight. Regular meetings are held with the General Contractor, Murnane Building Contractors, to review issues and concerns. The consolidated location for tribal programs and services allow many programs and services to more efficiently work together side-by-side for the very first time. Community members will have a more efficient experience when utilizing those tribal services.

Ironworkers Local 440 Business Agent Robert Cole along with SRMT Capital Projects Manager Dewey Thompson proudly detailed the work that has gone into the project so far. The Tribal Council toured the different quadrants within the building were being prepped for cement, along with other aspects of the project as part of the tour. Local 440 Ironworkers were busy erecting iron and welding on the second floor. The Tribal Compliance Department reviews certified payroll records and inspects the site regularly to ensure compliance with the Native Preference policy. The construction crews working on the renovation project are currently 80% Native American and primarily Mohawk tribal members, in accordance with the SRMT Native Preference Policy.

“It’s incredible to see how much work has already been completed since construction began last in August. Knowing our own community members have contributed so much to the project is a great feeling. The Local 440 is doing a great job.” said Tribal Council.

The completion of the former-IGA Renovation Project is targeted for the Spring of 2024.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.