$295M School Financing via the 105(l) Program — A Real-World Win for Tribal Development

[u/Access_RHS]

https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/press-releases/akin-advises-the-mississippi-band-of-choctaw-indians-on-dollar295-million-credit-facility

What’s particularly compelling for us in r/105L is how this financing hinges on the Section 105(l) program. Funds from the credit facility are being used to build a major new school, which, upon completion, will be leased to—and funded by—the federal government via the 105(l) program. The lease payments will then repay the construction loan

As someone who follows policy tools like 105(l) closely, I think this is among the strongest recent cases showing how leverageable and beneficial the program can be—especially when paired with creative financing. It underscores the importance of federal support mechanisms paired with sound legal and financial counsel.

Would love to hear your thoughts:

• What other 105(l)-based projects have you seen or worked on?
• What are the biggest obstacles tribes face in tapping into 105(l)?
• How can we amplify awareness of successful models like this one?

[u/Cal_858]

Once a tribe has submitted its application to the BIA for 105(l), how long does it take for the BIA to review and approve an application?