Bill passes allowing equal-value land and mineral exchanges between North Dakota and Tribes

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - A bill to allow equal-value land and mineral exchanges between North Dakota and the state’s Tribes passed the Senate last week.

The bill would authorize the state to relinquish state-owned lands and minerals contained within the Tribal Reservations to the U.S. Department of the Interior, and in exchange receive federal land and minerals of equal value within North Dakota.

Senator John Hoeven said allowing these equal-value exchanges is a win-win for the state and the tribes.

“We’re trading, we’re trading land from outside the reservation for ownership within the reservation which is going to help development both on the reservation off. It truly is a win-win. It’s a win for the tribes and a win for our state as well,” said Hoeven.

Hoeven said it’s supported by our state and all the tribes within our state.