Land swap bill opposed by tribes reintroduced

Wednesday, July 25, 2007  

Arizona Sens. Jon Kyl and John McCain, both Republicans, reintroduced a bill on Tuesday to authorize a land swap opposed by tribes in the state.

The bill would swap 3,025 acres of federal land for 4,583 acres owned by a mining company. The mining company would then be able to open a copper mine on the federal land.

But the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other tribes oppose the deal. They say the mine will harm sacred sites, including Apache Leap, where Apache warriors leaped to the death rather than surrender to U.S. troops.

The bill includes a provision aimed to protecting Apache Leap. Some local residents also oppose the bill.

Get the Story:
U.S. Senators back mining project through bill (The East Valley Tribune 7/24)

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