Tribe Lifts Gas Quota

Tribal members will not have to adhere to quotas for state tax discounts when purchasing gas, diesel fuel, and cigarettes for the remainder of 2007, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced December 19.

Under an agreement between the state and the tribe, members are entitled to tax discounts on these items at the Midjim gas stations and casino gift shops. A quota determines how many purchases can be made.

The current tribal quota on these items will not be met by December 31, so the tribe is able to lift the restrictions on the discounted purchases by members.

While the quota has already been lifted temporarily twice in 2007, consumption is still not on pace to exhaust the amount allowed this year, the tribe reported.

Next year's quota goes into effect January 1.