The Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe celebrated the groundbreaking of a new housing project last week on Paiute Drive, which will feature 22 apartments of varying sizes.

Tribal Chairwoman Cathi Williams-Tuni opened the ceremony, expressing excitement for the long-awaited development. “Our Fallon Paiute Shoshone housing project has funded for the infrastructure of 22 new rental units for eligible households at or below the 50% of the area’s median income,” she said.

The multi-family units, ranging from one to four bedrooms, will offer much-needed housing for the tribe's members. “This will be a benefit for our tribal community and our tribe members as we move in a new phase of accommodating tribal members,” Williams-Tuni added.

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto highlighted the funding for affordable housing developments, noting $9.4 million from a Nevada-specific fund will support this and other housing projects across the state.

The ceremony also featured the introduction of the FPST Business Council, as well as Jennifer Johns, the acting housing director, who discussed the committee’s vital role in bringing the project to life. “Volunteers on the housing committee worked with me to make this project a success,” Williams-Tuni said.

Local general contractors A&K Earth Movers have begun clearing and grading the land, preparing the site for infrastructure installation. Project manager Abby Day from Travois, an affordable housing consultant, commended the tribe’s dedication to securing multiple funding sources. “The FPST leaders and officials have worked diligently on Sagebrush for over two years,” she explained.

The project now enters its next phase of construction, with A&K and Pavilion Construction leading the way. Day also expressed gratitude for the collaboration with various organizations, such as the Nevada Housing Division and the Federal Home Loan Banks.

Adam Mannelin, project manager for Pavilion Construction, praised the community-centered approach. “We pride ourselves on relationships and working with various tribes across the West,” he said, while Jake Zamora from A&K echoed similar sentiments.

Williams-Tuni closed the ceremony with a proud reflection on the project’s future, drawing parallels to similar housing developments by the Washoe Tribe. “We are very proud of where we’re going with this project,” she concluded.