House Passes Chickasaw Land Exchange Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice vote the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004 (H.R. 4066) that was introduced by Congressman Tom Cole. This legislation will provide for a land exchange between property of the National Park Service and the City of Sulphur to allow the Chickasaws to develop a cultural center within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

"I am very pleased that we have completed the process, on the House side, to get this bill to the President this year. I will be working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure this bill passes before the end of this session," Congressman Tom Cole said. "The City of Sulphur and the Chickasaws are ready to move forward and I hope we will be able to give them that opportunity."

The land selected for the cultural center holds historical and cultural significance to the Chickasaws. The land was originally transferred to the United States by the tribe. Because of the economic benefits this will provide to the City of Sulphur, in the spirit of community support, they offered to exchange property with the National Park Service.

The National Park Service, the City of Sulphur and the Chickasaw Nation entered into a Preliminary Exchange Agreement in July 2002, but approval by Congress is necessary to complete the exchange. The Senate is expected to take up this legislation soon.

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