The Interior Department has extended another $1.2 million in offers to landowners on the Makah Nation in Washington.

The offers were made under the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations. Landowners have 45 days to accept or decline.

“Fractionation is a serious problem that locks away lands across Indian Country that tribal governments could be using for the benefit of their tribes,” Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said in a press release. “That’s why the success of the Buy-Back Program is vitally important to the future of tribal nations. We are encouraged by initial purchases, and will continue to work cooperatively with tribal governments to conduct outreach to landowners. Consolidating and returning these lands to tribes in trust has enormous potential to improve tribal community resources.”

The Makah Nation was one of the first to enter into a cooperative agreement for the buy-back program. Any fractionated interests that are acquired will be returned to the tribe.

The $3.4 billion Cobell settlement authorized $1.9 billion for land consolidation.

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