The state would sell 384 acres in Robeson County to the Lumbee Indians and let them try to develop a cultural center that has failed to materialize after three decades of effort, under a plan advanced Wednesday.
The Lumbees would be given the first shot at buying the land, with conditions that it be preserved for public access and to protect artifacts. If that doesn’t work out, the land could be sold at public auction without those conditions.
The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee approved the plan on Wednesday, and directed staff to draw up a bill that will be introduced next year.
