News » Tribe Moves Forward with Annexation Plans

Full build out of the Tribe's 145 acre West Plains Property requires off-site water, sewer, and other essential services. Because the West Plains Property sits on the western boundary of the City of Airway Heights ("City"), the City is the logical service provider. Annexation of the West Plains Property into the City will enable the City to provide the services necessary to achieve full build out. The Tribal Council and the Office of the Spokane Tribal Attorney are negotiating with the City, Spokane County, and the United States to accomplish annexation while preserving Tribal and federal jurisdiction over the property.

Several negotiation meetings brought the Tribe and the Airway Heights City Council together for a historic signature of documents on August 7, 2006.

Spokane Tribal Chairman Rick Sherwood accompanied by Spokane Tribal Deputy Legal Counsel, Scott Wheat, attended the Airway Heights City Council meeting to answer questions and finalize the pending Intergovernmental Agreement. The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) establishes the framework for intergovernmental cooperation between; the Spokane Tribe, the City of Airway Heights, and Spokane County regarding the West Plains property.

The IGA establishes the framework by which Airway Heights will provide water, sewer and other essential services to the Tribe's West Plains Property. In exchange for the essential services listed, the Spokane Tribe of Indians agrees to provide annual, equitable compensation to Airway Heights and Spokane County.

The Intergovernmental Agreement was unanimously approved by the Airway Heights City Council on August 7, 2006. Following the Airway Heights Council meeting, Tribal Chair Rick Sherwood signed the Agreement along with the Airway Heights city officials. The signing of documents gives the Tribe one less hurdle to overcome in the entire annexation process.

Airway Heights City Mayor Matt Pederson stated that he appreciates the honesty and openness of the Spokane Tribe and looks forward to future successful collaborations.