Welcome to Skagit County

June 29, 2004

SKAGIT COUNTY AND SAMISH INDIAN NATION SIGN SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

SKAGIT COUNTY – The Skagit County Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with the Samish Indian Nation that will give the green light to the construction of 26 single-family housing units on the Tribe’s 80 acres located at Lake Campbell. The County had previously appealed the decision of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to accept the land into trust for the Tribe. With execution of this settlement agreement, the County will withdraw its appeal.

A signing ceremony will be held in the Commissioners Hearing Room at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2004.

The Skagit County Commissioners had filed the appeal because of concerns about development standards meeting County Code. “We’re pleased to announce that we’ve come to an agreement with the Samish Indian Nation, stating that they will meet or exceed the County, State, and Federal standards that apply to development of equivalent land in Skagit County,” said Commissioner Don Munks.

The Samish Indian Nation also agreed to a limited waiver of Sovereign Immunity allowing for a dispute resolution process to take place, if differences arise in the future. “We’re pleased with the agreement, since it standardizes development standards with the Tribe and the County,” said Skagit County Administrator Gary Rowe.

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Communications Director
419-3461