You are viewing ARCHIVED content published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. Additionally, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded.
The Department of the Interior has recommended to Congress enactment of legislation designed to amend the Indian Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955.
Present law is inadequate for development of Indian lands for recreational, business, residential and other non-agrarian uses, the Department said. Under its terms, provision is made for leasing Indian lands for periods of 25 years with a renewable option for an additional 25 years. Grazing leases under the same law are restricted to la-year terms, with provision for 25-year agricultural leases only in cases that involve making substantial improvements on the land.
A bill now before Congress provides for 55-year leasing authority for Indian lands, with the grazing and agricultural periods to remain the same.
As a change in the new bill, the Department proposes that leasing authority be extended to a minimum of 65 years for non-agrarian purposes and 40 years for farming leases.
The Department also has asked that 99-year leases be extended to the following reservations: The Pueblos of Pojoaque and Tesuque in New, Mexico; Hualapai, Yavapai, Havasupai, Gila River Pima, and San Carlos Apache Reservations of Arizona, and Tulalip, Swinomish and Lummi of Washington.
Since 1959, six exceptions have been made in the Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955, in order to permit 99-year leasing for maximum development. Those reservations already enjoying 99-year leasing authority under the 1955 act are: Agua Caliente (Palm Springs, Calif.); Navajo; Hollywood (Fla.) Seminole; Southern Ute; Fort Mojave; and Pyramid Lake. Congress has also authorized 99-year leases on the Colorado River, San Xavier, and Salt River Pima Maricopa Reservations by other legislation.
