The Tulalip Tribes will soon add another business enterprise to its growing list, as construction is well underway for a second Chevron gas station, this one on Marine Drive, next door to the Tulalip Quil Ceda Liquor Store, smoke shop and Quil Ceda Creek Casino.

The $3.75 million construction project will result in an 18-pump gas station, which is two more pumps than the original Tulalip gas station at 116th St. NE. The business is expected to open in early November.

The gas station is just the first phase of a rebuild project planned for the site. Eventually, the existing smoke shop and liquor store building will be demolished to make way for a new convenience store that will also sell tobacco products and liquor.

"The new building will be about 10,000 square feet," said Cal Taylor, who oversees operations at the Tribes' two liquor stores, smoke shops and gas stations. "We don't seem to have any trouble getting customers. The businesses continue to grow."

Taylor plans to have Greg Sheldon, the current manager at the 116th St. gas station, manage the new gas station as well.

"He's done a great job, and I know he can handle both operations just fine," said Taylor.

Chevron was chosen as a supplier for the Tribes' gas stations because of "the quality of the gasoline," Taylor explained. "It's what I've always used in my own vehicles."