Congress recently passed the bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico that clarifies how the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh may develop their land.
The bill, S. 249, says that the pueblos are allowed to lease and invest in their lands. Udall is vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. It was an amendment to S. 2890.
Udall commented, “Tribes should be able to determine the duration of tribal leases on their own lands, particularly as business opportunities change over time, to maximize economic development and provide for their communities.”
He added, “My commonsense legislation will attract new businesses and spur investment in the economies of the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh, benefiting the wider region and leading to job growth for the pueblos and surrounding communities. I’m proud that we got it over the finish line.”
Previously the pueblos had been limited to leasing their lands for 25 years, which cost the Pueblos business. The legislation, which awaits the signature of President Trump, extends that limit to 99 years.
Governor Peter Garcia, Jr. of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo praised the legislation. “Ohkay Owingeh thanks Senator Udall for his efforts to include Ohkay Owingeh on the 99 year leasing bill that is a part of S. 2850, which passed the House yesterday after passing the Senate earlier this month.” He continued, “Passage of this legislation allows Ohkay Owingeh to lease our lands for various projects for up to 99 years, which will give Ohkay Owingeh more opportunities and provide more stability than the current 25 year limit does.”
