The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa now has the money it needs to start developing new homes.

The USDA and Army Corps of Engineers presented more than three million dollars in checks this morning at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino.

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa received $3.4 million to fund their first steps in building more homes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture gave a $1.4 million grant and a $1.6 million loan, and the Army Corps of Engineers gave $400,000 for water and sewage infrastructure needs.

"A lot of times people think you can go put up a house but you cant you need basic foundation," said Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy.

Leecy says the goal is to provide homes and jobs for tribal members from all over the state and bring them back to the reservation.

"This is going to help bring them home. There are more opportunities here at Fortune Bay with employment. The reason we have this is to benefit Bois Forte Band by reinvesting in community and create an economic cycle where they come back and invest in the community," he said.

"This impacts the tribe by allowing them to live in this area, on the reservation, and work here. It also helps for economic development with jobs at casino, all additions that come with more people in the community," said Colleen Landkamer, USDA Rural Development Director.

The water and sewer infrastructure and 32 new homes are expected to be completed within one year.