The Grand Coulee Dam in Washington. Photo from Bureau of Reclamation
The Colville Tribes of Washington will help enforce federal civil law on federal lands within reservation boundaries. The Bureau of Reclamation delegated authority to the tribe as part of a memorandum of understanding. The agreement applies to Reclamation-managed lands at the Grand Coulee Dam and the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. "This is a historic milestone," tribal police chief Michael Henry, said in a press release. "This effort will bridge a gap in law enforcement as well as strengthen the partnership between the bureau and the tribe ensuring public safety and protection of important and valuable resources." The Grand Coulee Dam was created by taking land from the tribe. In Congress provided compensation of $53 million plus annual payments of approximately $15 million, to settle the tribal claims through the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act. Get the Story:
Bureau delegates authority to Colville law enforcement (The Tribal Tribune 8/11)
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