Wortham Property Fee-to-Trust Acquisition

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Pacific Regional Office has completed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for the Wortham Property Fee-to-Trust Acquisition. This action involves the acquisition of approximately 519.31 to 529.31 acres of land in Colusa County, California, to be held in federal trust for the benefit of the Colusa Indian Community Council. The BIA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in April 2026, determining that the project will not have reasonably foreseeable significant effects on the human environment, thereby eliminating the need for a full Environmental Impact Statement. The primary objective of the acquisition is to support tribal self-sufficiency through economic development and housing. Planned future developments include up to 40 single-family residences on one-acre plots, a 215-space recreational vehicle park, and 100,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, while approximately 330.42 acres will remain for agricultural use. To ensure environmental stewardship, a Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Program (MMEP) has been established. This program mandates adherence to the Uniform Building Code, EPA stormwater pollution prevention requirements, and energy efficiency standards that exceed Title 24 baselines by 15 percent. Compliance will be verified through professional inspections, as-built plans, and coordination with agencies such as Caltrans for infrastructure improvements along State Route 45.