Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act

House Votes

This bill would place about 1,082.63 acres of federal land in Washington under federal trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and add it to their reservation. A section of the Elwha River on this land would be managed under national “Wild and Scenic River” protections connected to the Elwha River restoration law.

No casinos or other gaming would be allowed on this land. The Interior Department would survey the land to set the exact boundaries and can make small boundary fixes. The transfer does not change any existing treaty rights.

• Who is affected: The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and nearby communities along the Elwha River in Washington.
• What changes: About 1,082.63 acres move into trust and become part of the reservation; river areas are managed for protection; no gaming is allowed on these lands.
• When: After the bill becomes law; the Interior Department will survey the land soon after to confirm boundaries.