Red Lake Tribe to Build Tribal College and Government Center Using $21 Million in USDA Loans

Red Lake Tribe to Build Tribal College and Government Center Using $21 Million in USDA Loans

(WASHINGTON DC) – U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson announced that the Red Lake Nation has been selected to receive over $21 million in loans from USDA Rural Development to build a tribal college and tribal government center.

"The existing facilities at Red Lake had outlived their useful lives," Peterson said. "Construction of these new buildings will help to create jobs in an area with high unemployment, and will be a source of pride for the Red Lake Nation."

An $11,348,000 loan will be used to build a 42,000 square-foot tribal college building. The tribe currently holds classes in an old building and is not accredited. The new building will increase educational opportunities and will be an accredited school.

A $10,130,000 loan will be used to build a 27,400 square-foot tribal government center next to the college. The tribal government currently works out of two old buildings which have issues with mold and cause health issues. The new center will provide a safer environment and allow the tribe to operate out of one central location.

Both loans come from Rural Development’s community facilities program, which finances essential buildings and equipment in rural areas.

Since 2010, Rural Development has provided almost $27 million in financing to the Red Lake tribe to build or improve water and wastewater treatment systems and essential community facilities in the community.

“Rural Development is proud of its partnership with the Red Lake Tribe,” said Colleen Landkamer, USDA Rural Development State Director. “The staff in our Bemidji and Detroit Lakes offices have put in a lot of hours working with tribal leaders over the last couple of years and the results are starting to show.”

To learn more about Rural Development programs that invest in housing, community facilities, business development, high-speed Internet and renewable energy in rural areas, call the office in Bemidji at (218) 751-1942, ext. 4. You can also visit Rural Development on the web at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn.