The Pawnee nation utilized an innovative way of funding to break the barriers found by rural low-income tribal communities to complete costly high demand fundamental projects. The health center will enhance local accessible treatment for the rural service area designated as medically underserved.
The discussion centered around how project leaders identified a need for the facilities in their communities, how they secured funding, and the impacts the health centers will have and are having on community economic development. Experts also discussed how the 105(l)-lease program can help fund and support Native health centers.
A 105(l) lease is an agreement between Indian Affairs and a Tribe or Tribal Organization to reimburse facility costs incurred while carrying out programs, services, functions, and activities (PSFAs).
The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program provides direct grants for development such as decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities. Projects funded by the ICDBG program must principally benefit low-and-moderate income persons.
The USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant program provides grants and affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas including Tribal communities.
“This toolkit shares the findings of NCAI’s “Building Tribal Economies” research and outreach initiative, which works to train the focus of Tribal Nations on the strategic, foundational considerations involved with building integrated and resilient tribal economies capable of supporting their communities and citizens today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”