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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted to approve a $2.1 million loan package that would renovate buildings and expand office space at the tribal complex in Tahlequah. Federal programs will repay the loan in the form of rent.

"This way we are able to have the buildings finished out and have the federal government pay the cost", said Principal Chief Chad Smith. "We're not appropriating additional tribal money to fix up the buildings. This way, we're making sure that we use as much money as possible on direct services to the Cherokee people, like health care, education and housing assistance."

Chief Smith added that loan arrangement allows the Cherokee Nation to build assets by recovering the actual costs of housing the federal programs.

Most of the money will be spent on the Channel Building, located directly behind the main building at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex. The Channel Building was formerly used as a sewing factory and the majority of the interior of the building is currently vacant.

The Channel Building, once renovated, will house the Cherokee Nation’s finance, procurement and accounting staff in one central location. Some of those functions now take place in separate buildings scattered more than 1/3 of a mile from each other.

The Council voted 7-4 to pass the loan package in a reconvened session of the regularly scheduled October 22 Tribal Council Meeting. The Council also voted to move November’s Council meeting from November 11 at 6:00 p.m. to November 12, at 2:00 p.m. to accommodate staff that would be off on November 11for Veterans Day.