Bill Overview
Title: Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act
Description: This act directs the Department of the Interior to take the approximately 55.3 acres of land of the Blackwater Trading Post in Pinal County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Gila River Indian Community, if the community conveys to Interior all of its interest in the land. The land is made part of the community's reservation. Further, the act prohibits gaming on the land taken into trust.
Sponsors: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Gila River Indian Community
Estimated Size: 11500
- The land, currently owned by the Blackwater Trading Post, will be placed into trust for the Gila River Indian Community, affecting the community members directly by changing land ownership and governance.
- The Gila River Indian Community consists of members from both the Akimel O'odham (Pima) and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) tribes.
- The transfer of land into trust status provides the community with greater control and sovereignty over the land, which can impact their economic development, cultural activities, and housing opportunities.
- There is a prohibition on gaming on this land, which might influence the economic strategies the community may consider for development.
Reasoning
- The Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act specifically affects the Gila River Indian Community. This community has approximately 19,000 members, though we focus on the estimated 11,500 who are directly impacted by land status. Within this estimate, the act primarily influences cultural sovereignty and land governance rather than direct immediate wellbeing changes for every member.
- The policy's area of impact is relatively narrow, primarily affecting those who have direct economic or social relations with the land in question. The prohibition of gaming suggests the community will look towards other economic activities, such as cultural tourism or agriculture, which may sustainably benefit more members.
- Non-native citizens residing in or around Pinal County might perceive changes differently, but since the policy doesn't directly impact their land or economic activities outside the reservation, their immediate wellbeing would remain largely unaffected, though some might express opinions about local change.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Council Member (Gila River Indian Community, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This land transfer is a positive step forward for our community's autonomy and cultural preservation.
- Having more control over the land allows us to plan for development that respects our traditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Chandler, AZ)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't expect this policy to impact me personally, as I am not part of the tribal community.
- I think it's good they are getting more control over their land.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cultural Consultant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential cultural and economic opportunities this will open up.
- I hope the community doesn't push too heavily into economic development that might sacrifice cultural values.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Agricultural Worker (Gila River Indian Community, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More land gives us opportunities for new agricultural projects that could benefit many of us.
- I worry about how the community will manage these resources effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Teacher (Gila River Indian Community, AZ)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This provides a fantastic opportunity to increase educational resources and cultural programs.
- I hope this encourages more youth involvement in cultural activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Business Owner (Sacaton, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential for business growth aligned with the community values.
- The prohibition on gaming might restrict some development ideas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This shift in land control should include considerations for environmentally sustainable practices.
- The prohibition on gaming might reduce environmental stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Student (Gila River Indian Community, AZ)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to new opportunities for young people like me in business and development.
- It would be great to see internships or community projects funded through new ventures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Journalist (Pinal County, AZ)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This transfer is a significant cultural win for the community, though it will be interesting to see the longer-term socio-economic impacts.
- Monitoring how they implement new developments will be key to reporting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cultural Heritage Specialist (Gila River Indian Community, AZ)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more land under our control is crucial for preserving sacred sites and cultural heritage.
- I'm encouraged by the possibilities for cultural tourism that respects our traditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $800000)
Year 2: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $15000)
Year 3: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $15000)
Year 5: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $15000)
Year 10: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $15000)
Year 100: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $15000)
Key Considerations
- The administrative cost is a main factor due to the land surveying and legal processes involved in the transfer.
- The prohibition on gaming restricts economic activities that could have increased tax revenue at state and possibly local levels.
- This act supports the autonomy and self-governance of the Gila River Indian Community by enhancing their control over land.