Legislation approved last week by the U.S. Senate finally clears the way for the transfer of land by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians to the new hospital being built in St. Ignace.

The tribe offered up to 15 acres of land at the former Kewadin Motel on North State Street in St. Ignace in 2002.

The bill (S. 1193) was passed late Thursday, November 20, and permits the tribe to lease, transfer, or convey any interest in land not held in trust by the United States without the approval of the Secretary of Interior, said Senator Debbie Stabenow.

The House of Representatives passed the legislation September 29.

Construction is now underway for a new facility, which will be called Mackinac Straits Healthcare Village. Excavation began in early September.