Excess federal land transferred to Three Affiliated Tribes

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Army Corps of Engineers has transferred about 47 square miles of land to the Three Affiliated Tribes.

The property is about 30,000 excess acres that was taken when Garrison Dam was built, and its return has been in the works for more than a decade.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven says the Corps informed him Thursday that the transfer is complete, and the land will be held in trust for the tribe by the Interior Department.

Hoeven says he and other leaders are worried about preserving Lake Sakakawea access, and that they'll pursue legislation if necessary.

Tribal Chairman Mark Fox has said the tribe will manage the transferred land for the public benefit.