Landdevnew

Land & Development

The Land & Development Department implements all of the Indian Housing Authority development and land acquisition activities, including new construction, rehabilitation, infrastructure development ,construction contract administration, fee-to-trust assistance, improved and unimproved land acquisition, land title clearance, appraisals and environmental & cultural compliance.

All housing projects can take much longer than most realize. YIHA is required to obtain permits and inspections of various kinds before breaking ground. On all housing land acquisitions and projects, the Housing Authority is required by HUD to perform an Environmental Review of the property on which the project will take place. The environmental process includes searching the property for endangered species, coastal zones, air quality, etc. The process also involves cultural and historical clearance. Depending on the scope of the housing project, Environmental Reviews can range from a one month to a six month time frame for completion.

Additionally, the Department is responsible for the inspection of completed projects and the maintenance of the existing housing units owned by the Yurok Indian Housing Authority.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact John Safford, Land & Development Director.

John Safford , Land & Development Director- ext. 1005

Yurok Tribal member, John Safford, was born and raised in the area, and has been with YIHA for the past 10 years. He first came to us as an Inspector and has worked his way up to being the Director of Land & Development. John has worked in the construction field most of his life and feels that working for YIHA "is very satisfying on many levels. Naturally, in todays market, a job that provides benefits is hard to come by, but add that to having a job that has meaning and value to your people and you have a winning combination. One look at the face of a client when you hand over keys to their new home, and it makes all the hours of pencil pushing, phone calls, site inspections, etc. worth while."

Leonard LaFazio, Down-River Project Manager- ext. 1001

Leonard joined the staff here at YIHA 2 years ago. He has lived in the area nearly all of his life; he lives with his wife and 3 kids. Leonard has lots of experience in the field of construction and has been a real asset to the Land & Development team here at YIHA. "I love it here. It's hard to stay away."

Joseph Brien , Development / Procurement Clerk- ext. 1013

Joe came to YIHA in November of 2009 as a temporary to the combined positions of Procurement Clerk and Development Clerk. He has tackled the merger very well and fits into the YIHA family perfectly. Raised in Oregon, Joe moved to the area in 1999 with most of his family. He has two wonderful grown children and says that, "It's a joy to work for YIHA. Its like that show "Extreme Home Make-Over", watching the transformation in the tribal community. Its exhilerating and brings hope to the people for a better future."

Shawn Korb , Up-River Construction Superintendant-

707-951-1044

Shawn has worked for YIHA since 2007. He is in charge of the up-river crew and loves his job. He was born in Eureka and has lived in the area all his life. Shawn has a wife and 5 children and says that, "working for YIHA has fulfilled a life long goal. I was told as a small boy to go out and learn a trade and/or get a college education, then come back and help your people. I have done just that and the rewards have been seeing our native people get homes and assistance. There is a certain gratification in knowing that you were a part of that."

"Open", Down-River Construction Superintendant

To contact the Force Account Crew call 707-482-1506

and leave message with supervisor Leonard LaFazio

	Cecil Wilson- Landscaper Born and raised in Humboldt County, Cecil loves to hunt and fish and spend time with his wife and two kids. He started working for YIHA in June of 2009 as a landscaper and says that, " its a learning experience and very satisfying to see the gratitude of clients when they see the finished product".		Mario Kelly- Delivery Driver Born in Santa Rosa,California, Mario has lived in the area now for over 15 years. A single father of 2 kids, he joined the YIHA staff in July of 2009. Besides wanting to provide for his family, he "enjoys serving the Yurok community".
	Daniel Gillis- Force Account Lead Dan moved to Crescent City when he was 13 and lived in Los Angeles County prior to that. He previously worked for HW3 . He has four kids and a girlfriend. He likes working for YIHA because he "gets to teach the less experienced carpenters new tricks and can help them to learn to do the process correctly which ultimately benefits everyone".		Jaytuk Steinruck- Force Account Lead Jaytuk was born in Arcata and moved to Fort Dick when he was 13. He has one daughter and has been with YIHA for 4 1/2 years. Prior to coming here, he worked as a carpenter and went to school. He enjoys working for YIHA as "we keep him very busy" which he enjoys, but mostly it is the gratification he feels when he "sees the look of appreciation in our elders eyes and know we were able to do something meaningful for them".
	Hector Natt, Sr.- Force Account Crew Hector grew up in Trinidad, then moved to Orleans and various other places prior to coming to Del Norte County 12 years ago. He has four kids and a wife. Prior to working for YIHA he was a heavy equipment operator. He likes working here because "it is good, steady work and it is helping my own people which is a rewarding experience".		Phillip Williams- Force Account Crew Phillip has lived his entire life in Klamath, except for the time while he was in the Army. He has two kids ages 20 and 17 and a beautiful granddaughter. He was a crab fisherman on a commercial boat prior to coming to work for YIHA He likes working here because up until this job, he had to travel off of the reservation to get a decent paying wage, and he is very thankful for his employment here. Also he takes tremendous "enjoyment and pride in providing quality craftsmanship to Yurok peoples".
	Cliff Moorehead- Force Account Crew Cliff has lived in Del Norte County all of his life, growing up between Klamath and Crescent City. He previously worked as a lifeguard, on an Alaskan Salmon Boat, and on local crab boats. He has one child and a fiancé. He likes working for YIHA because, "...it is gratifying to see what he has accomplished at the end of the day".		Otto "Sonny" Hodge- Force Account Crew Sonny was born and raised in Eureka. After an adventurous 11 years away from the area, he returned and has been here ever since. Sonny has experience in construction, electrical, trucking and auto body work. He has a wonderful daughter and says of working for YIHA, " I like it. The atmosphere is pleasant and the people are good to work with".
	Nah-Tes Jackson- Force Account Crew Nah-Tes has been with YIHA for over three years. He previously worked for Hoopa modular but says that working for YIHA ,"...is what I like to do. It's a good opportunity to help our people get homes and I'm proud to be a part of that group."		Lawrence "Tiger" O'Rourke - Force Account Crew Tiger was born in Eureka, California and has lived in the area most of his life. He has 8 children, with three still at home. Tiger has worked for YIHA in the past and we are pleased to have him return with his wonderful carpentry skills. Tiger says of YIHA, "Its a good opportunity for tribal structure to help people with their living standards. More importantly, we stive to help our people help themselves with job skills, and over all awareness of home ownership so they have something to be proud and in which they can take with them their whole lives."
	Richard "Woody" McCovey- Force Account Crew Woody has worked for YIHA since August of 2009. He previously worked as a surveyor for the Tribe and has lived in the area most of his life. When it comes to working for YIHA he says, "It's great to provide better and improved living for our people. It's Cool!".		Ron Bowen- Force Account Crew
	Kelly Singleton- Force Account Crew		Richard Myers II- Force Account Crew Richard joined YIHA in September of 2009. He's been in and out of the area and is glad to have been back this past three years and counting. He has worked for the Forestry Dept. for the Tribe, but says that working for YIHA everyday worth it. "Everything is working out and I'm learning alot."

YUROK INDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY
15540 US Hwy 101 North, Klamath CA 95548-9351
(707) 482-1506 (800) 281-4749 Fax: 707-482-3117

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