In the News

Governor Hutchinson, along with other Arkansas delegates are writing to Washington to deny a federal land trust for the Quapaw Indian Tribe.

The tribe, based in Oklahoma, is trying to take their 160 acres near the airport and have it federally protected.

Both Congressmen and Senators from Arkansas are joining in the debate, as tribes across the nation are fighting for more freedom in Washington.

In March, Judge Barry Hyde and Governor Hutchinson expressed concerns with the land. They're not sure if it will be used for a casino or gaming facility, and wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior.

Now Senators Cotton and Boozman, along with Congressmen Westerman and Hill are writing their objections as well.

The letters come at an interesting time. On Wednesday, the Senate discussed the possibility of eliminating double taxation on Indian reservations. So, if the federal Senate bill does pass and this trust is granted then Arkansas would miss out on any transactions that would happen on the land.

President Obama has worked to free restrictions and streamline trust grants. With Wednesday's discussions in Washington, and more pushes coming, it adds to the land's interest and implications.

The Quapaw Tribe says they do not plan to build a casino or gaming area on the property, they just want the land to preserve archaeological artifacts.

They denied THV11's request for an interview Wednesday evening.