Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has requested an extension of a federal deadline in its quest to acquire surplus Navy land on Aquidneck Island for free for two area tribes.

The bureau, unable to meet last Friday's deadline to turn in an application, requested another 30 days to complete the submission on behalf of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, on Martha's Vineyard.

The Naval Station Newport is looking to dispose of about 260 acres, which the communities have for years envisioned reusing for recreation, intermodal transportation, economic development and renewable energy projects. Originally, the Navy was looking to dispose of more than 350 acres before deciding to retain some of the land for possible renewable energy projects.

In preparation for the eventual transfer of Navy properties along the western shore of the island, the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission spent years creating a master plan for the future redevelopment of the area. It has been working with each of the three island communities -- Newport, Portsmouth and Middletown -- to pursue their interests in the properties.

In April, Indian Affairs asked for a 60-day extension of a deadline for federal agencies to exercise their right to seek ownership of surplus Navy land before their advertisement in the Federal Register.

But after being granted an extension, the application Indian Affairs submitted for the Narragansetts was deemed incomplete. And none was received for the Wampanoags. The Navy gave Indian Affairs until last Friday to complete the application for the Narragansett and to submit one for the Narragansetts.

"The purpose of the acquisition will be to promote and enhance the tribe's self-determination, economic development, natural resources development and protection and related social services programs," Indian Affairs wrote in its original application for the Narragansetts.

 Tags  Bureau of Indian Affairs MIddletown RI Narragansetts Naval Station Newport Newport RI Portsmouth RI Wampanoags

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