S. 1513: Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act

This bill, titled the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, is designed to take a specific portion of federal land in Washington State and place it in trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The primary objectives of the bill are outlined below:

Trust Land Designation

The bill proposes that approximately 1,082.63 acres of federal land, described in detail in official documents, will be taken into trust by the United States for the benefit of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. This means that the tribe will have rights to this land similar to those of a private owner, and it will become part of their official reservation.

Impact on Land Management

The management of the land will be governed by specific federal laws related to environmental protection, particularly concerning the Elwha River. The bill stipulates that parts of the land that relate to river management will adhere to existing laws that protect wild and scenic rivers, although some adjustments will be permitted for effective management.

Survey and Boundary Adjustments

Following the enactment of the bill, the Secretary of the Interior will conduct a survey to establish the exact boundaries of the land taken into trust. The Secretary will have the authority to make minor adjustments to these boundaries or to correct any errors related to maps or acreage descriptions.

No Gaming on New Trust Lands

The bill specifies that the lands designated in the act will not be classified as Indian lands for the purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This means that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe will not be able to use these lands for gaming purposes, which is often a source of revenue for tribes that operate casinos.

No Impact on Treaty Rights

Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not affect any treaty rights held by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe as defined by historical agreements with the United States. This ensures that the bill respects existing legal frameworks regarding tribal rights and may provide continuity for the tribe’s claims and interests.

Relevant Companies

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