Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Lands $2.5M for Highway 101 Pedestrian Bridge, Gateway Monument

Press release from the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation:

Connected Communities Project map

The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation has received a $2.5 million federal grant to fund early-stage efforts to construct a monument gateway and pedestrian bridge near a hazardous intersection area on Highway 101 in Smith River.

At the same time, the Nation has established a cooperative partnership with the California Department of Transportation to move forward on the Nation’s multi-year Connected Communities Plan, of which the pedestrian bridge is one aspect. The Nation established the plan in 2023 to address long-standing safety concerns and build a multi-use path system in the area.

“This funding is a huge win for our community. It will improve safety for the residents and visitors alike while creating a meaningful cultural landmark along Highway 101 that reflects the Nations identity and presence,” said Julian Markussen, Planner III for the Nation’s Community Development Department.

Gateway/pedestrian bridge

The $2.5 million grant is part of $54.2 million awarded by the Build America Bureau through the Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program. Funding went to a total of 49 rural and tribal projects—31 rural and 18 tribal—across 25 states. The grants provide early-stage development assistance for rural and tribal infrastructure projects across the country.

The Nation will use its $2.5 million grant for the initial feasibility study, preliminary design and engineering for a dual-purpose gateway monument and safe, ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge on Highway 101 near Lucky 7 Casino in Smith River, said Markussen.

The bridge is necessary for the safety of Tribal and non-tribal citizens and visitors, particularly young people, elderly and families, who currently must walk across busy Highway 101 to reach community facilities, businesses and residential neighborhoods. The architectural features of the gateway monument bridge will integrate traditional Tolowa designs, the Tolowa Dee-ni’ language and art created in collaboration with cultural advisors and community members.

“This funding allows us to move forward on a project that enhances safety, honors culture, and leaves a lasting impact for the Tolowa people and everyone who travels through and experiences this place,” Markussen said.

Connected Communities Plan

The California Department of Transportation has scheduled significant work along Highway 101 through the Tolowa Dee-ni’ region and, through early discussions with the Nation, it became clear that several elements of the Nation’s Connected Communities Plan, particularly the multi-use path, intersected directly with their planned improvements.

“Rather than waiting for the state’s project timelines, the cooperative partnership allows the Nation to proactively complete a key portion of the work in advance,” Markussen said. “Doing so accelerates progress, prevents redundant construction efforts, and ensures the Nation’s priorities are integrated from the beginning. By working together, we will shave approximately one-year off the project timeline.”

He said Caltrans leadership has the partnership as groundbreaking and can be considered as a model for future state-tribal collaboration.

“They are genuinely excited about working with the nation and have mentioned the profound impact the community engagement meetings have had on them regarding the safety of Highway 101 in Tolowa country and the Connected Communities Plan,” he said.  “They are in support of a cooperative approach that advances mobility, safety, and community connectivity while respecting Tribal sovereignty and long-term planning goals.”