An update on all the activities going on with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas was presented Debrina Sylestine Dirden of the tribe’s communications department for the quarterly membership meeting of the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. She began by saying that the tribe has been a member of the local chamber of commerce for over 40 years.
“The most asked for update is the new casino/resort facility that the tribal membership voted on back in April. For so many, this project can’t move fast enough, but the tribe really wants to ensure they get everything right, so the project is currently in the design stages. The location will be on the reservation east of Livingston, not far from where Naskila Casino is located. There will be hotel accommodations, restaurants and there will be something to offer families. A project of this magnitude takes time. The Naskila Casino, where it currently is, will remain open during all phases of construction and even for a while after the new location is opened.
“Another update where Naskila is concerned are the renovations occurring at the One Stop on Hwy. 190, the tribe’s convenience store/fuel stop. The store is undergoing an extensive renovation and has been closed for the last few weeks. The tribe is adding gaming to the store on the end where the smoke shop used to be located.
“Another huge project that has been in progress for over 20 months now is the education center. This is a 49,000-square foot building that will house education, youth services, early childhood learning, language revitalization and the library. There will be computer terminals and quiet spaces for study. Currently, youth, education and the library are all housed in temporary buildings, so this will be an upgrade for staff and patrons. The new education center is located near the Veterans Pavilion/ballpark area. Stay tuned for a grand opening date. We are hoping by the beginning of 2025.
“Also, near this area is a large water catchment system that was organized and brought to life by our Wildland Fire Department and Gesse Bullock. This is a huge tank that will gather rainwater coming from the Veterans Pavilion that can be used to fill firetrucks and water a new community garden being installed nearby.
“We also have a 500-acre homesite development that we hope will also be a future spot for our justice center. The homesite development is on the far east side of the reservation. There will be enough area for 100-plus homesites. The goal is to have homes started by the end of 2024.
“Our campground has added a very nice six-room motel/lodging facility. Each room has two queen beds, and the porch area overlooks Lake Tombigbee. We have a new lake/campground manager, and he has big plans to spruce up the entire lake area and its facilities.
“The not so glamourous side of progress are things like infrastructure. The entire east side of the reservation water lines are currently being upgraded to six-inch lines and this often causes disruption in service.
“You may have heard the tribe had an election to select a second chief and Herbert Johnson Jr. was elected. The inauguration ceremony is set for Jan. 1, 2025. There was also a general election held Nov. 6 for tribal council and the three elected for three-year terms were Cecilia Flores, Ricky Sylestine and Nita Battise. The election for tribal council chairman will be held tomorrow.
“Feb. 18, 2025, is Alabama-Coushatta Day at the State Capitol and the tribe will host lunch on the capitol grounds. Many of you have taken part before and we’d love for you to join us again.”
