Pearce Introduces Bill to Solve Ft. Wingate Land Dispute

Press Release

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Steve Pearce (N.M.-02) introduced H.R. 1028, legislation that would resolve the land dispute over territory encompassing New Mexico's former Fort Wingate Army Depot. In the 1990's, the Fort was decommissioned during the Base Realignment and Closure process (BRAC). Since then the Zuni Pueblo and Navajo Nation have waged competing claims to the land. Upon introducing the legislation, Pearce issued the following statement:

"This bill represents years of work and negotiation between the Zuni and Navajo."

Pearce continued: "After nearly 15 years of disagreement, resolution of this land dispute is within sight. The legislation reflects an agreement that both the Zuni Pueblo and the Navajo Nation came to during honest, face-to-face discussions during the last Congress. An agreement must be finalized before the BRAC deadline to ensure that the tribes receive their land. Without a resolution, the land could fall into someone else's hands, leaving the tribes with nothing. I will continue my work to see that this good-faith agreement passes in the House," added Pearce.

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