The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina secures 241 acres of land in Robeson County and teases the idea of a casino and resort in the announcement.
The update comes from the Lumbee Tribal Chairman, John L. Lowery, who has discussed the land purchase and land in trust process at length, with it being confirmed that the Lumbee Tribal Holdings (the for-profit arm of the Tribe) acquired the land and has transferred it to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Its explained how the ‘strategic’ acquisition was made to secure land that can be utilized for long-term economic development initiatives that benefit people for generations to come. It comes days after Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris announced the tribe had filed for state recognition in North Carolina, ahead of a planned casino opening.
Future of Lumbee Tribe newly acquired land is up to the people
The actual purpose for the new site hasn’t yet been determined, as the announcement suggests the decision will be made “by the will of the Lumbee people.”
The update continues to say that if, and when, the Tribe votes for gaming, the 241-acre tract could serve as the site of a casino and resort, accompanied by a shopping outlet and additional amenities like a golf course, a Top Golf-style facility, a water park, or similar attractions.
If, however, people vote against gaming, the land can be developed into a business and industrial park designed to attract employers. It’s suggested that either of these options could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs and “be an economic boom not just for our Tribal territory but for this entire region of the state.”
The Lumbee Tribe is actually the largest in North Carolina and the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River, according to the Department of Administration.
Regardless, this property, along with the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, the Tribal Administration Building, and several other Tribal assets, will eventually be placed into trust with the United States Government.
The Tribe says placing land into trust transfers title to the federal government to be held on behalf of the Tribe, removing the application of eminent domain and providing protections.
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