Federal land from historic Albuquerque Indian School set for transfer to 19 New Mexico Pueblos

What does this do?

Senate bill S 3219 would transfer approximately 9.89 acres of federally managed land in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the Department of the Interior to hold in trust for 19 Native American Pueblos. The land was historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School, a federal boarding school that operated for decades. Once transferred, the property must be used for education, health, cultural, business, or economic development purposes, and gambling or gaming is explicitly prohibited.

Who does it affect?

The 19 named Pueblo tribes in New Mexico would gain control of the land, while federal agencies currently managing the property would be required to relocate before the transfer. Residents near the site in Albuquerque could see changes in how the property is developed over time.

Why does it matter?

Federal agencies currently managing the land, including the General Services Administration, would need to move personnel and offices off the site within 90 days of the bill passing before the transfer can occur. The federal government would retain temporary access to one parcel containing a warehouse in order to retrieve or relocate any federal property still stored there.

Where does it stand?