Lummi Nation hails BIA backing of land-into-trust application

Wednesday, October 30, 2013  

The Lummi Nation of Washington won approval of its land-into-trust application.

The tribe has no immediate plans for the 80-acre site. "For the foreseeable time being it's going to remain in agricultural use," Chairman Tim Ballew told The Bellingham Herald.

The tribe sought an agreement with the city of Ferndale to address taxation and future land acquisitions. The city didn't approve the deal and asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs to reject the application.

Whatcom County also opposed the application and could file an appeal, the county's prosecuting attorney said.

Get the Story:
Feds approve trust status for 80 acres near I-5 owned by Lummi Nation (The Bellingham Hearld 10/30)

Lummi Nation eyes agreement to resolve land and tax issues (5/14)