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| New Mexico’s Delegation to U.S. House Praises Senate Passage of Sandia Land Claim Settlement |
January 24, 2003 |
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Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM-01) and Representatives Tom Udall (D-NM-3) and Steve Pearce (R-NM-2) today praised the Senate for passing a measure to reach a settlement on the Sandia Pueblo`s claim to land on Sandia Mountain. Earlier this month, Wilson introduced a similar bill in the House.
“This is an important step toward ultimate passage of this agreement by the Congress,” said Wilson. “I will work to make sure that it is considered and passed by the House in the near term.”
“With the Senate’s action, we are one step closer to having the Sandia proposal complete,” said
Udall. “I look forward to working with my New Mexico colleagues in steering this crucial legislation to final passage. I know how anxious all the stakeholders are in seeing this matter fairly and finally resolved.”
"I`m pleased by the Senate`s action and look forward to working with Congresswoman Wilson and Congressman Udall to see the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area become a reality," said Pearce.
Under the language of the bill, the U.S. Forest Service would maintain ownership of the land, but will establish the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area in the Cibola National Forest. The tribe’s access to the land for religious ceremonies is protected. Public access to the mountain and preservation of the wilderness is also protected.
The bill will also ensure that affected homeowners in the Pueblo`s land claim area have clear title to their property and expressly authorizes existing rights-of-way and easements in perpetuity. The agreement grants the Pueblo the ability to limit new uses of the land, but with exceptions, and allows the Sandia Peak Tram Co. to continue operating its tram service up the west side of the mountain.
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