Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4174
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4174
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Summary
Tells the government to hold about 55 acres of land in Arizona in a special trust for the Gila River Indian Community, making it part of their reservation.
What problem does this solve?
The Gila River Indian Community owned land that was not officially part of its reservation, which could cause legal and management problems. This law solves the issue by directing the government to place the land into a trust, making it a formal part of the Community's reservation.
What does this law do?
Land placed into trust for tribe
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to take approximately 55 acres of land, known as the Blackwater Trading Post Land, into a trust for the Gila River Indian Community.
Land becomes part of reservation
Specifies that once the land is taken into trust, it will officially be considered part of the Gila River Indian Community's Reservation.
Gaming prohibited on new land
Bans Class II and Class III gaming, such as casinos and bingo halls, from ever being allowed on the land being transferred into the trust.
Who does this affect?
- Gila River Indian Community
- U.S. Department of the Interior
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens tribal sovereignty
Makes the land officially part of the Gila River Indian Community's reservation. This helps the tribe manage its land more easily and confirms its rights over the area.
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Limits economic opportunities
Prevents the Gila River Indian Community from building a casino or other major gaming sites on this land. This could limit how the tribe can use the land to make money for its people.
When does this start?
This law becomes effective on December 27, 2022, and sets deadlines for specific government actions.
Official land description publication
Within 180 days of the law's passage, the Secretary of the Interior must publish the official, detailed legal description of the land in the Federal Register.