The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California released a report that shows the economic benefits of placing land in trust.

The tribe wants 1,400 acres in trust, of which 250 acres will be used for housing. The report says the project will create hundreds of jobs and generate tens of millions of dollars in income and sales taxes in Santa Barbara County.

The tribe is seeking an act of Congress to place the land in trust. Chairman Vincent Armenta said the tribe will agree to a gaming prohibition in the bill.

The tribe could also submit a land-into-trust application Bureau of Indian Affairs but prior efforts have been tied up in litigation and in administrative appeals.

Get the Story:
Tribe cites analysis of benefits from houses (The Santa Maria Times 4/11)

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