What does Preamble of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This bill would take certain Federal lands in Tennessee into trust. The lands are intended to benefit the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act.

What does LAND TAKEN INTO TRUST FOR THE EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS. of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This section declares certain Federal lands to be held in trust by the United States for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The lands are located in Monroe County, Tennessee, on the shores of Tellico Reservoir, and include the Sequoyah museum property, support property, and Chota memorial property. The lands taken into trust are subject to existing rights-of-way, easements, and other rights-of-record.

What does PERMANENT EASEMENTS TAKEN INTO TRUST FOR THE EASTERN BAND OF of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This section declares certain permanent easements on federal lands in Monroe County, Tennessee, to be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The easements cover approximately 8.5 acres of land on the Chota peninsula and 11.4 acres of land on the Chota-Tanasi trail, as depicted on a specific map. The Tennessee Valley Authority is required to submit revised maps depicting these lands to congressional committees within one year of a land transaction. The lands subject to these easements are also subject to use rights and conditions outlined in section 5.

What does TRUST ADMINISTRATION AND PURPOSES. of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

Lands subject to this Act are generally administered under laws and regulations applicable to lands held in trust for Indian tribes, except as described in section 5. The lands (excluding those described in section 2(a)(2)) shall be used principally for memorializing and interpreting Indian history and culture, and for recreational activities. Specific uses include the Sequoyah birthplace memorial and museum, memorials to Chota and Tanasi, a reinterment site for Cherokee remains, and interpreting the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Land described in section 2(a)(2) shall be used to support the lands and programs related to the trust, including classrooms, cultural programs, temporary housing, and offices. A recreational trail is designated from the parking lot to the Chota Memorial and beyond. Another recreational trail is designated between the Chota and Tanasi Memorials.

What does USE RIGHTS, CONDITIONS. of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This section outlines use rights, conditions, and responsibilities related to lands subject to the Act and Tellico Reservoir. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) may temporarily flood lands below the 824-foot (MSL) contour elevation. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may construct water use facilities and nonhabitable structures between the 815-foot and 820-foot (MSL) elevations with TVA consent. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has rights to ingress and egress to and from the land and Tellico Reservoir. The TVA's river control and development program takes precedence over any use rights. The TVA retains the right to draw down and fluctuate Tellico Reservoir's water level. TVA personnel have a right of entry for river control and development purposes. Future development on the lands is subject to compensation to the TVA for loss of hydropower capacity. The United States is not liable for losses resulting from flooding, wave action, or water level fluctuations. The TVA is responsible for funding and implementing environmental remediation requirements for lands taken into trust.

What does LANDS SUBJECT TO THE ACT. of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This section defines lands subject to the Act Lands include those taken into trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

What does GAMING PROHIBITION. of Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act do?

This section prohibits class II and class III gaming on lands subject to this Act. The prohibition applies to gaming as defined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.).

Back to bills

Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

Last updated: 2/5/2025 · Introduced: 1/7/2025

Author: Charles Fleischmann (R-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill transfers specific federal lands and permanent easements in Monroe County, Tennessee, to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, holding them in trust for the United States.
The lands will primarily be used for memorializing Cherokee history and culture, providing recreational opportunities, and supporting related programs, with specific designations for memorials, a museum, and trails.
Gaming activities, as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, are prohibited on these lands.

119th Congresspassed houseOfficial page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

8 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account