Feds' land buyback program pays $175 mil to Arizona tribes

WASHINGTON — Arizona tribal members have received more than $175 million in the first four years of a federal program to buy back and consolidate parcels of land that are now split between multiple owners, the Interior Department said Nov. 1.

The 2016 status report on the $1.9 billion buyback program said Navajo Nation individuals received more than $104 million, Gila River Tribe members got more than $51 million and members of the Salt River tribe were paid $20 million for their land.

“We’ve heard of new vehicles being purchased, houses being renovated and rooftops being replaced, so it’s nice to hear about all of that,” said Larry Rodgers, executive director of the Eastern Navajo Land Commission.

http://www.nhonews.com/news/2016/dec/27/feds-land-buyback-program-pays-175-mil-arizona-tri/