RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — If Hanford nuclear reservation lands are no longer needed, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation says it has the first claim under treaty rights.
The Tri-City Herald reports tribal officials have objected to the Tri-City Development Council’s request to the Energy Department to transfer 1,300 acres of land next to the Richland city limits for economic development.
The council hopes to attract businesses to offset future staff reductions on the nuclear reservation.
The tribes propose a field station for botanical research.
The land was used for farming before World War II.
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Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
