A favorite hot springs to soak located in Central Oregon is slated to open in 2023, encouraging more tourism dollars and hospitality jobs to the Warm Springs Reservation. Sadly Kah-Nee-Ta had let go of all of its employees when they closed its doors in 2018, due to financial losses and maintenance problems.
The Tribes announced last Friday an outlay of American Rescue Plan Act funds, to be managed and operated by a non-tribal entity, Mt. Hood Skibowl. With the new plan moving forward, the funds, $6.08 million, were provided by the American Rescue Plan to help repair, and restore the resort known as The Village. Teepees, a motel, RV sites, and pools fed by springs along the Warm Springs River were some of the most popular attractions at the resort before closing. According to OPB, there have been no official announcements by the Tribes for plans to reopen the golf course or 149-room lodge.
With a new agreement in place with tribal officials and Mt. Hood Skibowl, they plan to develop and manage the Village with the Warm Springs Economic Development Center.
“Credit goes to current Tribal Council and other members of the local community for their support and decision to restore this Oregon landmark, create local jobs for our Tribal youth and begin to rebuild the Reservation’s economy devastated by the COVID pandemic,” Warm Springs elder and former Kah-Nee-Ta employee Charles Jackson said in a press release.
While there is no official date for reopening yet, the resort still remains under tribal ownership. With the reopening of Kah-Nee-Tah Village, they expect 50-full time and more than 80 part-time employees to be working during the busy season.
“We are excited to be part of the relaunch of the Kah-Nee-Ta Village to promote the cultural heritage and bring visitors back to experience the natural healing powers of the Hot Springs, which dates back 10,000 years ago,” Hanna also mentioned in the press release.
