By Amanda Day, Grants Development Consultant- State and Local Government
Transportation is a critical component of modern life, connecting individuals to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services. Efficient roadways and public transportation services affect access to jobs, education, and reliable healthcare. However, for many tribal communities, poor transportation infrastructure presents a barrier to social and economic opportunities.
Tribal lands often face unique transportation challenges due to factors such as:
- Remote location: Many tribal communities are in rural or isolated areas, far from major cities and transportation hubs.
- Limited public infrastructure: Roads and bridges on tribal lands may be in poor condition or might lack basic infrastructure and public transportation.
- Limited financial resources: Many tribal communities face significant economic challenges, limiting their ability to fund adequate transportation infrastructure and services from their own budgets.
Recognizing these challenges, the federal government offers tribal grants for transportation initiatives to address the needs of these communities. Several federal agencies offer grant programs specifically designed to address the transportation needs of tribal communities. Some notable programs include:
- Tribal Transit Program (TTP): The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) oversees this program, which supports public transportation services in tribal communities, including public buses, transit vans, and paratransit services. This program supports FTA’s strategic goals and objectives that:
- Enhance safety;
- Renew transit systems;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the public transportation sector;
- Improve equity, and;
- Connect communities.
- Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds (TTPSF): Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), this program awards funding to tribal governments for transportation projects related to safety, safety planning, and safety/infrastructure. Eligible projects include:
- develop and update transportation safety plans
- converting an intersection to a roundabout
- roadway improvements that provide separation between pedestrians and motor vehicles or between bicyclists and motor vehicles, including medians, pedestrian crossing islands, protected bike lanes, and protected intersection features
- installation of a skid-resistant surface at an intersection or other location with a high frequency of crashes
- improving intersection sight distance
- and other infrastructure improvements that reduce the risk of serious injury crashes.
In addition to tribal-specific grant programs, tribal governments are eligible applicants for many federal transportation programs, such as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program. This grant provides funding for capital and planning investments in surface transportation projects with a significant local or regional impact. Additionally, the Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program provides funding for the deployment, installation, and operation of advanced transportation technologies, such as connected and automated vehicles, intelligent transportation systems, and data analytics. And finally, The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program awards funds to local, regional, and Tribal communities for implementing, planning, and demonstrating safety improvements to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.
Securing federal transportation funds allows tribes to upgrade transportation infrastructure, enhance mobility, improve safety, and promote economic development within their communities. By taking advantage of the various funding opportunities, tribes can address critical transportation needs, from road construction and maintenance to smart transportation initiatives and the development of public transit systems.