Concerns raised on tribal implications of eminent domain

A local preservation officer said Thursday that a bill passed by the state House of Representatives and sent to the Senate could have serious implications for Montana's Indian tribes, as well as for property owners in general.

Alvin Windy Boy, former Business Committee chair and now tribal historic preservation officer for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, said the bill could cause serious problems. The bill would allow utilities to seize lands for construction of power lines.

"That's really unfortunate. We're bowing to other countries, or non-U. S. companies, for the...