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JANUARY 30, 2001

The Department of Interior on Friday announced a final decision to take about 90 acres of land into trust for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

The decision to take the land, located near the Oacoma exit on Interstate 90, into trust comes after the Bureau of Indian Affairs first approved in 1990 then revoked the designation in 1997 after the state of South Dakota sued the Interior. The tribe then applied again for trust designation in 1998 but the state has filed suit in US District Court once again.

The tribe hopes to use the land to develop a tourim and history center. The tribe promised Governor Bill Janklow they would not seek to build a casino there.

The decision takes into account an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact last month. It will become effective within 30 days.

Relevant Links;
The Bureau of Indian Affairs - www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html