Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined forces last month in co-sponsoring a key piece of legislation for Native American tribes in Oregon.
The bill, which three weeks ago was signed into law by President Barack Obama, paves the way for greater economic development on the land of five Oregon tribes: the Klamath, the Coquille, the Paiute, the Siletz and the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Suislaw.
The legislation grants these tribes the authority to lease their land for up to 99 years to non-federal contractors. Previously, these tribes could lease land for a maximum of 25 years.
Although technical, the change is significant in that it creates a much stronger incentive for long-term businesses to set up shop.
“This bill ensures that every tribe in Oregon has the same leasing ability and a level playing field,” said Courtney Crowell, a spokesperson for Merkley. “These tribes had found it was difficult to attract large business investments as most wanted some guarantee they can operate beyond 25 years.”
Through this law, legislators hope that in addition to attracting business, the tribes will be able to create jobs and gain more economic independence from the government.
Many Oregon tribes gained the 99-year leasing authority in the past through separate appeals to Congress, but this bill is the first time the authority has been granted universally. The original 25-year leasing authority extended back to 1934 and has proved to be a considerable obstacle for decades.
“This bill allows us to really get to the table and offer something to people interested in a joint venture,” said Bob Garcia, the council chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously last September, after spending nearly a year in the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources. The bill spent three months in the House before it passed on Dec. 14 and became law on Christmas Eve after President Obama approved it.
Merkley, who just completed his first term in office, has also supported several other advances for Native American groups, particularly those in Oregon.
Last July, Merkley celebrated the passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act, a law that gives tribal governments more resources and assistance in fighting crime. In a press release, he praised the law for its positive effect on Oregon tribes.
“Tribal communities across Oregon face daunting challenges, including rising violent crime rates and increased drug trafficking, yet they still do not have the necessary support from the federal government to police communities,” Merkley said. “This new law will place greater accountability on federal agencies to investigate crimes occurring on reservation land.”
Wyden has also been strong advocate of Oregon’s tribes throughout his nearly 15 years in office. Garcia appreciates the support of these two senators, and said the development of Oregon tribes contributes to the entire state economy.
“I have to commend both of them,” Garcia said. “Senators Wyden and Merkley have a strong understanding of the special issues facing tribes, and they’ve helped give us the tools necessary to figure things out. We’re all out for the same thing, and that’s to make a better Oregon.”
Still, Garcia points out that problems remain for native tribes, particularly in the area of acquiring state bonds and support for land restoration. These will likely have to wait, however, as new tribal bills are not expected to occur in the next session.
“This bill was our big issue of the year,” Tom Towslee said, a Wyden spokesperson. “Of course, I don’t know what will be introduced in the future, but as it stands, there really isn’t that much Oregon tribal legislation coming up.”
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