The Ute Indian Tribe distributed a news release on Monday stating that 40 acres of land at Ute Plaza has been restored to Trust Status. According to the release, a notice of determination was issued on March 21st by the Acting Superintendent, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. This was to “approve the fee-to-trust application to acquire real property in trust for the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation.” The property is known publicly as the Ute Plaza and is a former Indian allotment of about 40 acres. “The Tribe plans to continue utilizing the Ute Plaza Property to promote its economic endeavors,” shares the Ute Tribe. “The Ute Plaza Property is currently developed as a retail commercial center which includes the Ute Plaza Supermarket, the Ute Petroleum C-Store and the Kahpeeh Kah-ah Ute Coffee House; the center has been in operation for 18 years and is considered a ‘centerpiece’ of the Tribe’s economic development.”
