SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - A citizens group is suing to reverse the
U.S. Department of Interior's decision to place 13,000 acres of
upstate New York land into federal trust for the Oneida Indian
Nation.
In papers filed in U.S. District Court Tuesday, Upstate Citizens
for Equality claims the federal agency lacks the authority to place
the land in Madison and Oneida counties into trust. The group also
claims the move violates New York state's constitution.
The interior department announced the decision last month.
Placing the land into trust for the Oneidas exempts the land from
local and state taxes and regulations but makes it subject to most
federal laws.
Spokesmen say New York state and the two counties will also file
a joint lawsuit to contest the federal decision.