Lawsuits head to federal court in Oneida Indian Nation "Land into Trust" issue

Story Created: Jun 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2008 at 5:18 PM EST

 VERONA - On Friday, Madison and Oneida counties filed a joint lawsuit, with the State of New York against the Department of the Interior. Last month the D.O.I. placed 13,000 acres of land, that stretches across both counties into federal trust.

Despite today's lawsuit, officials at the Oneida Indian Nation feel as though the matter is over. They think the Department of the Interior's ruling will hold up in court, and that the counties and State, are wasting tax payers money.

In response to today's filing the Oneida Indian Nation offered this statement:   
"Unfortunately, the people of Madison and Oneida counties are now stuck paying the lawyers' fees for both sides of the case-the federal government on one side and the state and counties on the other side. In this economy, the last thing our community ought to be doing is footing the bill on both sides of a costly lawsuit that benefits nobody."

Weighing in on this lawsuit and the issue at whole, was U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. He says he applauds the State of New York for stepping in and thinks this lawsuit has a shot of overturning the decision.

"As I understand it, it is the State that is paying most of the cost. And I do not agree with the tribe that it is settled. This is brand new what they have done, it is up in the air and I think that the lawsuit has a very good chance of succeeding. I'm going to do everything I can to help it," said Senator Charles Schumer.

Governor David Paterson had this to say on the issue:

"The State still believes that the best solution to this problem would be a negotiated settlement between all parties involved. Absent such negotiations, we simply can not allow this decision to stand, as it will have a devastating affect on Madison and Oneida Counties, and set a dangerous precedent for similar cases across New York State."

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said today it was in the best interest of the county to file. Picente also says the County has been continuing and will continue discussions with the Oneida Indian Nation, while this lawsuit is handled in court.
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