The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved a land-into-trust application for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

The application was filed eight years ago. The tribe will use the land for a housing project.

The BIA's decision came as Chairman Derek Bailey testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee about land-into-trust backlogs at the Interior Department. The tribe and its members have applications pending for as long as 17 years.

Get the Story:
GT Band picks up 78 acres for expansion (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 12/15)

Committee Hearing:
Video: Senate hearing on backlogs at Interior Dept. (12/9) OVERSIGHT HEARING: Where’s the Trustee? Department of Interior Backlogs Prevent Tribes from Using their Lands (December 9, 2009)

Related Stories:
Video: Senate hearing on backlogs at Interior Dept. (12/9)
Backlogs at Interior Department subject of hearing (12/8)
Indian Affairs Committee meeting and two hearings (12/7)