Senate passes defense act that could place Camp 4 into federal trust

SANTA BARBARA County, Calif. -- The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to pass the National Defense Act, which includes placing the controversial parcel of land known as Camp 4  into the federal trust for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians purchased the 1,427 acres of land from the estate of the late Fess Parker in 2010.

The transfer of the land to the federal trust has been opposed by some Santa Ynez Valley residents and county officials.

Camp 4 will be used for housing for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ membership. It plans to build 143 housing units and a small Tribal Administrative building, while protecting the vast majority of the property as agricultural land or environmental open space, according to a news release from thee Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The bill now awaits President Trump’s signature for it to become law.