Select Committee on Tribal Relations Meeting Summary (December 20, 2002)

The Select Committee on Tribal Relations met on December 20, 2002 in Cheyenne.  The Committee received information concerning a number of tribal issues including:  gaming, water development, drought, domestic violence, and children shelters.  The newly formed committee “Resources of the Winds” is working on water issues.  The Committee voted unanimously to have proposed legislation drafted to allow tribes to form entities for purposes of water development. 

The Committee discussed proposed legislation to create a liaison person between the Governor’s Office and the tribes.  The motion for proposed legislation passed unanimously.  The Committee was given an update on the fiber optics project between Riverton and Hudson.  Completion of the project (scheduled for next year) will give the cities in the area and the reservation the same electronic capacity as a metropolitan city.  The Committee decided to have a meeting after the 2003 General Session in order to fully discuss taxation issues.