The 19 Pueblos of New Mexico opened the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albuquerque Historic Old Town on a portion of the former Indian school property in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo from IHG
A bill that will help the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico expand economic development opportunities is headed to President Barack Obama for his signature. S.986, the Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act, places about 11 acres in trust for the tribes. The land is part of the former Albuquerque Indian School, which has been transformed into a cultural and economic hub in New Mexico's most populous city. "This transfer allows the Pueblos to expand their current economic development plan for the region, which creates jobs, expands educational and cultural opportunities, while continuing to generate revenue for the New Mexico Pueblos," Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-New Mexico) said on the House floor on Tuesday. After Grisham's remarks, the House passed S.986 by a voice vote. The bill cleared the Senate by unanimous consent on September 22 so now it's ready to be sent to the White House.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo from Flintco
"Doing so enables the Pueblos to build on their ongoing efforts to transform the property into a unique business and cultural center that will help create jobs and enhance cultural education opportunities for the Pueblos, the city of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico," Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), the sponsor of S.986, said in a press release last month. In 1978, 2001 and 2008, Congress enacted legislation to place other parts of the former Indian school in trust for the tribes. The 11 acres in S.986 address the last parcel, making the transfer of the land complete. The tribes operate the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at the site, along with the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albuquerque Historic Old Town, a travel center and two commercial/office/retail buildings. A Starbucks is under construction there.
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