H.R. 226: Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

This bill, known as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, is intended to take certain Federal lands in Tennessee into trust for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Here's a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

1. Short Title

The Act may be referred to as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act.

2. Land Taken into Trust

The bill declares that certain Federal lands managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Monroe County, Tennessee, are to be held in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This includes:

• Sequoyah Museum Property: Approximately 46 acres.
• Support Property: Approximately 11.9 acres.
• Chota Memorial and Tanasi Memorial Properties: Approximately 18.2 acres, including specific memorial zones.

3. Permanent Easements

In addition, the bill grants permanent easements on certain lands below a specified elevation (820-foot MSL) for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, including:

• Chota Peninsula: About 8.5 acres.
• Chota-Tanasi Trail: About 11.4 acres.

4. Trust Administration and Purposes

The land taken into trust will be administered under laws applicable to Indian tribes' lands. Uses for the land include:

• Memorializing and interpreting Cherokee history and culture.
• Recreational activities.
• Management of programs related to the Sequoyah birthplace and other memorials.

5. Use Rights and Conditions

The TVA retains certain rights over the land, including the ability to flood lands intermittently for management purposes. The Eastern Band is permitted to:

• Construct water use facilities.
• Maintain access to the Tellico Reservoir.

Additionally, the TVA has responsibilities, including environmental remediation of the lands prior to their acquisition in trust.

6. Lands Subject to the Act

The term "lands subject to this Act" refers to the lands and interests being taken into trust under this legislation.

7. Gaming Prohibition

The bill explicitly prohibits class II or class III gaming on the lands taken into trust, following guidelines set out in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Relevant Companies

• TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) - As the managing entity of the land in question, TVA will be impacted by the land trust designation and will have to adjust its management and operations accordingly.