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TAHLEQUAH, OK - A new grant will help the Cherokee Nation study ways to build new homes that are more durable and energy efficient. A $360,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will fund the construction of model homes using alternative building methods. The grant will also help with projects in Craig, Mayes, Cherokee Delaware and Adair Counties.

"In the first phase, we'll contract with three builders to build one home each, using innovative construction methods," said David Cole, housing program manager for Cherokee Nation Community Development. "Then we'll evaluate the three homes and select the one that fits our criteria of ease of construction, low cost, and longevity. The builder of the best home will then provide technical assistance as our own crew builds a fourth house and learns the new methods."

The cost of building the initial houses is high, but once the homes are built, the Cherokee Nation will own the blueprints for the new, efficiently built homes, and will be able to replicate the efforts themselves.

"It's seed money to supplement our existing resources," said Diane Kelley, Executive Director Community Development for the Cherokee Nation. "We're working hard to bring in extra resources so we can serve more people in the outlying communities."

"In the long run, we could end up saving thousands of dollars on each house we build from here on out," said Cole. "This grant could save us millions over the next few years. What we do here, we'll be able to duplicate all across the country. Other tribes and builders can learn better ways to spend housing money."

The grant also provides funds to establish a base for Cherokee Nation Community Development employees in Delaware County.

"The grant provides funding to refurbish the Bull Hollow community building and storage unit," said Cole.

"Our crews will be able to use that as a field office for that part of the Cherokee Nation," said Kelley.