BLYN — The Jamestown S’Klallam tribe has one final but vital touch to add to its more-than-15-year-old viewpoint and rest stop near the tribal center on U.S. Highway 101 overlooking scenic Sequim Bay — lighted and heated vault toilets to replace the Porta-Potties.
The tribe’s Jamestown Excavation and other private contractors installed two toilet units Thursday that will be topped by a trussed roof and operational by Memorial Day, said tribe Chief Operations Officer Annette Nesse.
“We like to say it’s a very green option because it’s self-contained, and nothing has the potential to contaminate the bay,” Nesse said of the vaulted toilet design.
“The deadline was to get it up and open to the public by Memorial Day weekend, and I think we are going to make it,” Nesse said of the May 30 holiday.
“These will be much nicer,” Nesse said, and will include finished interiors.
Rather than relying on a septic system, the tribe opted for the vaulted toilet design, which is routinely pumped out for waste disposal.
The project was financed with a Federal Highway Administration Scenic Byways Program grant of $211,161, which the tribe matched with $54,486.
The tribe received the grant in 2008.
There will be four restrooms, with one equipped for changing diapers. The units will not be plumbed for water, but hand sanitizer will be available.
The viewpoint was originally built in 1994, and the tribe has gradually beautified the area over the years in a cultural motif that complements the nearby tribal center and connecting facilities.
A tunnel was built under U.S. Highway 101 allowing tribal members and employees to safely cross to the campus on the other side.
The Sequim Bay public rest stop and overlook, the only one on 101 between Hood Canal and Port Angeles, is well-used by visitors and commuters.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
