Bill Overview
Title: A bill to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.
Description: This act authorizes the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation to lease their land held in trust for a term of up to 99 years. The tribe is located in western Washington State.
Sponsors: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals associated with the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation
Estimated Size: 720
- The bill relates directly to the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, impacting their ability to manage and lease their land for up to 99 years.
- The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation have a population of tribe members who will be affected by changes in land leasing arrangements.
- Leasing arrangements can potentially affect economic opportunities and community development within the tribal area.
- The population not only includes the tribal members but also those living within or nearby the reservation who may benefit from or be affected by economic activities resulting from the leasing.
Reasoning
- The implementation of this policy impacts primarily the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. Since the population size is small (around 720), and the policy does not have an immediate monetary cost, the overall economic distribution won't be nationally significant, but will have local effects.
- The policy allows for more flexible land leasing, possibly leading to increased economic activities, investment, housing development, and cultural initiatives on tribal land.
- The lease duration of up to 99 years offers a long-term planning horizon, potentially attracting investors but also possibly creating long-term commitment challenges.
- Surrounding communities might benefit from or be challenged by whatever development ensues from new leasing arrangements, impacting local economies and social structures.
Simulated Interviews
Tribal Council Member (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives us more control over our future.
- With potential new leases, we can create jobs and boost our economy.
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 | 8 | 4 |
Elder and Cultural Advisor (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Leasing land for 99 years could endanger our cultural integrity.
- It's crucial to ensure that culture and traditions remain central in any developments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Aberdeen, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More business coming to the area could mean more customers for me.
- There could be more competition, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Student (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might bring jobs that fit my field of study.
- I hope to see more young people staying here as opportunities grow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Real Estate Developer (Olympia, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This gives us a chance to partner on long-term projects.
- But, negotiation with the tribe will be crucial for win-win scenarios.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Advocate (Centralia, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Leasing might lead to environmental degradation if not managed well.
- I'm hopeful for strict regulations to protect our lands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Hospitality Worker (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could bring new tourism which means job security.
- I just hope it doesn't overly commercialize our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Freelance Artist (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More visitors might mean more sales of my crafts.
- I'm worried about cultural dilution but hopeful for growth.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Health Care Worker (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More resources could mean better healthcare facilities.
- But there might be challenges if the population grows suddenly.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Educator (Chehalis Reservation, WA)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy encourages educational opportunities linked to new developments.
- My worry is that elders’ voices will be overshadowed by rapid change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Long-term lease agreements can enhance economic stability for the tribe, fostering development initiatives.
- Potential cultural impacts from increased development activities should be monitored to ensure alignment with tribal values.
- Legal and administrative frameworks need to be robust to handle 99-year leases effectively and maintain sovereignty and local governance.