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MARCH 26, 2001

The Department of Interior has extended by two months the public comment period on the federal recognition petitions of the Eastern Pequot Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe of Connecticut.

The two tribes were extended preliminary recognition in March 2000, which begins a six month comment period. The state then requested another six-month extension, which was granted.

The state has filed a lawsuit against the Interior to rescind the preliminary decisions and according to The New London Day, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the Department of Justice have already agreed to extend the deadline to July 16. The US District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford has to approve their agreement, however, and the two tribes have filed motions opposing the additional extension.

Its unclear from The Day articel whether the two tribes have yet been allowed to intervene in the lawsuit. Both have asked to be included because they feel they are directly affected by the case.

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Public-comment period for tribes' recognition extended (The New London Day 3/24)