Today, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced that over $1 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will go to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians to implement a YouthBuild project. The project will assist out-of-school youth in obtaining their diplomas or GEDs while providing occupational training in the construction industry. The project also funds the construction of two new low-income housing units and the rehabilitation of two substandard dwellings owned by low-income households.

"I'm proud to announce that Red Lake has been selected for this important community investment," said Sen. Franken."This project will provide safe, affordable housing for families on the Red Lake reservation and give at-risk teens the skills they need to be productive adults."

Nationally, the DOL will award over $30 million for YouthBuild programs this year. Applications were accepted in the fall of 2010, with winners nationwide being announced today.

Partners in the Red Lake project include:

• New Beginnings
• Red Lake Housing Authority
• Red Lake Housing Finance
• Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance Office
• Chemical Health
• Nor-Son
• Red Lake Schools Adult Learning Center
• Red Lake Nation College
• Red Lake Public Safety
• Red Lake Courts
• Northwest Technical College
• YouthBuild USA
• Red Lake AmeriCorps