Wal-Mart: No plans to build on tribal land

Both Wal-Mart and Washoe tribal officials refuted speculation that Wal-Mart has plans to build on tribal lands along Highway 395 south of Gardnerville.

Wal-Mart has not purchased tribal land in Carson Valley, according to Wal-Mart spokesperson Karianne Fallow.

"We don't currently have plans to build in Gardnerville but are continually looking for store sites," said Fallow on May 12.

Felicia Archer, public relations officer for the Washoe Tribe, said Wal-Mart rumors may originate from the fact the tribe is often approached regarding the sale of their land.

"It's not so," said Archer about Wal-Mart building on Washoe land. "I checked with the chairman (A. Brian Wallace). He said we are often approached but no agreement is signed."

This is the second year in a row that the rumor of Wal-Mart coming to Gardnerville has spread.

Last year, Yerington onion farmer Butch Peri said in March he was considering selling some of the land he owns next door to Carson Valley Medical Center to Wal-Mart.

At the time Peri said he was in no hurry to sell the property.

Douglas County already has one Wal-Mart, located at the Carson Valley Plaza, which moved from south Carson City Aug. 14, 2002. Rumors sparked by Wal-Mart scouting teams swirled around the arrival of that Wal-Mart before it was confirmed they were going to build in Indian Hills.