A local official says wealthy tribes like the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California don't need the land-into-trust process.

The tribe hasn't filed a land-into-trust application for 1,400 acres it recently purchased in Santa Barbara County. But Supervisor Doreen Farr is worried that the tribe might ask Congress for help.

"They (the Chumash) have been able to provide that level of economic prosperity through the gaming that’s allowed on their property. I wouldn’t think they’d need the fee-to-trust," Farr told The Santa Maria Times.

The tribe purchased the land for a reported $40 million. Chairman Vincent Armenta said the tribe is still working on a plan for the property.

Get the Story:
Farr seeks meeting on tribal annexation (The Santa Maria Times 3/8)

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