By Aaron Dorman | Pinal Central
BLACKWATER — Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema jointly introduced legislation that would put the historic Blackwater Trading Post along State Route 87 under Gila River Indian Community control.
The bill would put the 55.3-acre property into trust status for GRIC. As part of prior legislation on water rights passed in 2007, any lands GRIC wants to add into its boundaries first requires federal legislation.
“The Gila River Indian Community is appreciative that our Senate and House delegation have prioritized introduction of the Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act early in this Congress,” GRIC Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said. “This non-controversial legislation is important to the community and to our members residing in District 1 of the reservation. I look forward to working with Senator Kelly, Senator Sinema and Congressman Tom O’Halleran to make sure this legislation passes each chamber and is signed into law.”
