Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

This bill would place specific federal lands in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. That means the U.S. would hold and manage these lands for the Tribe’s benefit. The areas include the Sequoyah Museum property, a support parcel, and the Chota and Tanasi memorial sites on Tellico Reservoir. It also adds permanent rights for two trail areas: the Chota Peninsula and a trail linking the Chota and Tanasi memorials. Memorials and other improvements on these lands remain the Tribe’s property .

The lands would be used mainly to honor Cherokee history and culture, including the Sequoyah birthplace memorial and museum, the Chota and Tanasi memorials, a respectful place to reinter remains, and education about the Trail of Tears. The support parcel could host classrooms, cultural programs, temporary guest housing, and offices to run these sites. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) keeps its water‑management powers. TVA can raise and lower water levels and temporarily flood low‑lying parts of these lands; the Tribe may build certain water‑use facilities with TVA’s written consent. The U.S. is not liable for damage from water level changes, and future development that reduces hydropower must compensate TVA. TVA must also check for and handle any environmental cleanup needs before the trust transfer. No casino‑style gaming is allowed on these lands .

• Who is affected: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; local residents and visitors in Monroe County; the TVA as the water manager .
• What changes: Certain TVA lands and trail areas move into trust for cultural, educational, and recreational use; strict limits on building near the water; ongoing TVA water‑level control; no gaming .
• When: Before the trust transfer, TVA must assess any hazardous substances; after transfer, TVA’s water controls and the no‑gaming rule continue .