The state of North Dakota continues to oppose the return of 24,000 acres to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
The tribe lost the land when the Garrison Dam was created in 1953. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed to return the acreage around Lake Sakakawea.
Gov. John Hoeven (R) said the state wants Congress, not the Army Corps, to authorize the transfer. After a meeting with tribal leaders, he said legislation is needed to address certain issues such as land access and weed control.
Chairman Marcus Wells Jr. said the tribe isn't opposed to an act of Congress, as long as the process isn't delayed further.
Get the Story:Tribes might to be open to changes in land transfer method (AP 3/7) Relevant Links:
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation - http://www.mhanation.com Related Stories:
North Dakota tribe pushes for return of land (3/6)
Army Corps holds hearing on return of land to tribe (06/27)
Army Corps sets hearings on return of land to tribe (6/15)
North Dakota officials oppose return of land to tribe (05/25)
Army Corps holds hearings on return of land to tribe (5/24)
Proposal would return land to North Dakota tribe (04/27)
North Dakota tribe seeks return of land lost to dam (03/01)
N.D. tribe asks Congress to fulfill 50-year-old promise (06/13)
N.D. tribes still feel effects of dam project (6/10)
