The Tehama County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support provisions in a bill that would allow the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in California to enter into 99-year leases.

The tribe is currently limited to 25-year leases. Extended leases will spur economic development, officials said.

The provision is contained in H.R.3551, the Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2005. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the chairman of the House Resources Committee. It was approved by the committee last week.

The provision reads:

SEC. 203. INDIAN REORGANIZATION ACT AMENDMENT.
Notwithstanding section 17 of the Act of June 18, 1936 (25 U.S.C. 477; commonly known as the `Indian Reorganization Act') the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is granted 99-year lease authority over its reservation land.

Get the Story:
Tehama board supports longer leases on reservation land (The Chico Enterprise Record 9/29)

Get the Bill:
Native American Technical Corrections Act of 2005 (H.R.3351)