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TAHLEQUAH, OK -The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) is announcing their fourth successful, recently approved application from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency of an allocation of tax credits for the Northview Estates Limited Partnership.

"The Northview Estates Limited Partnership, was established to apply for alternative financing to construct a 35 unit single-family development in Vian, Oklahoma for the Native American and non-Indian families," said Ron Qualls, HACN executive director. "These tax credits will allow us to bring $3,749,625 of private monies into this $5.5 million development."

"I commend our Housing Authority for their concern and work for Cherokee families," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. "We are able to provide more housing services to the Cherokee people because of this innovative financing plan."

"Its just great", said Vian mayor James Smith. "In the 65 years that I've been around Vian this is the single biggest event to happen to Vian. This quality development will have concrete curbs and streets. The additional revenue to our schools and our town will be tremendous. It will mean $220,000 each year to our school system and a $30,000 annual increase to the city's utility authority. Monies we so desperately need".

"I'm so thankful," Smith said, "that the Housing Authority had enough faith in our community to commit their resources and efforts to improve the living conditions in Vian, I'd like to express a special thanks to Cherokee Nation Councilman David Thornton for his efforts in bringing this about."

"I am excited that we are able to bring such a project to Vian and Sequoyah County, this is good news," said David Thornton, Tribal Council member. "This will certainly be a shot in the arm for our community. The economic impact of these additional families to Vian will have a ripple effect to our business community as well as our sales tax base."

The Northview Estates development will be constructed between Lee and Thompson streets in Vian Oklahoma.

"It's a wonderful project," said Mary Flute-Cooksey, Tribal Council member. "It should be convenient because of the location in town, and good for the local economy."

"On behalf of the HACN Board of Commissioners, I want to commend the Housing Authority," said Mary Adair, chairman, HACN Board of Commissioners. "These kinds of developments require a great deal of cooperation between the Housing Authority and the community of Vian. It is truly a public and private endeavor that will bring great rewards of affordable housing to the residents and an improved quality of life for everyone in the community. The Housing Authority has been very successful in seeking alternative funding opportunities for housing."

"Being a member of the community of Vian and seeing something like this happen is a wonderful thing," said James Simmons, member of the HACN Board of Commissioners. "I'm glad to be on the board now, and will be glad to support this effort."

The ground breaking is tentatively schedule for March 2003 with the completed project set for the spring of 2004.

For more information or to apply contact, Sooner Management, located at 201 South Yorkshire, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467; or call and ask for Bonnie Cox or Mary Nanson, phone 918-485-8885, or 866-652-8885 toll free.