Bill in House Hearing
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, testified [earlier this week] in support of his bill to provide permanent protection to Samish Tribal lands in Skagit and San Juan counties. H.R. 1225 would put 95 acres of Samish-owned land into federal trust for use by the tribe for community and economic purposes.
“This bill will provide permanent protection to Samish Tribal lands, allowing the tribe to continue building a solid foundation for economic growth and preserve vital community services,” Larsen said. “I appreciate the committee taking the time to ask questions about the bill and I look forward to working with them to pass the bill this year.”
The legislation would take 95 acres of Samish-owned land on five parcels and place them in federal trust to be used by the tribe for community and economic purposes. Those parcels include a Head Start and Early Learning Center and the tribal administration complex in Anacortes, as well as agricultural land and salmon habitat in Skagit County.. Samish Indian Nation Chairman Tom Wooten, Upper Skagit Tribe Chairwoman Jennifer Washington, and Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Michael Black also testified on the bill before the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs on July 23.
The land affected by this bill is mostly in Anacortes, with a segment on San Juan Island. To see the map, go to: larsen.house.gov/files/documents/SamishMap.pdf
Actually, from the map cited in the article, the SJIs property is on Lopez Island on Mud Bay, not on San Juan Island as indicated.
Do economic purposes include casinos? Seems like the WA-20 and I-5 area have more than enough gaming already.