Resources for Tribes and Tribal Governments

Overview

Under the leadership of Secretary LaHood, we are committed to improving existing tribal transportation resources. This webpage serves as a portal to assist tribes and tribal governments find the information and contacts they need at the Department.

Tribal Consultation Plan

The President signed the “Tribal Consultation” Presidential Memorandum on Thursday, November 5, 2009. This Presidential Memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to take certain actions to implement Executive Order (EO) 13175. The Presidential Memorandum requires that:

Each agency head submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a detailed plan of actions the agency will take to implement the policies and directives of EO 13175.
Agencies must submit to OMB a progress report on the actions taken pursuant to these plans together with proposed updates to the plan.

Recent News

DOT Announces $15 Million to Enhance Transit Options on Tribal Lands for an America Built to Last

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the availability of approximately $15 million in competitive funding to help American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments strengthen public transportation options.
“President Obama has charged us with building an economy that works for everyone, and for thousands of families living on America’s tribal lands, public transportation is critical to accessing economic opportunity,” said Secretary LaHood.
[ Read More]

You can findthe Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) “HERE” http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-09/pdf/2012-5819.pdf.

Secretary LaHood Announces $527 Million in Funding for New Round of Popular TIGER Grant Program; Tribes Eligible to Apply

On July 1, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that $527 million will be available for a third round of the highly successful TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) competitive grant program, which funds innovative transportation projects that will create jobs and have a significant impact on the nation, a region or a metropolitan area. Tribes are eligible applicants for this discretionary grant program. [Read more]

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Transportation Links

Indian Reservation Roads Program

The Indian Reservation Roads Program (IRR) addresses transportation needs of Tribes by providing funds for planning, design, construction, and maintenance activities. The program is jointly administered by the Federal Highway Administration’s Federal Lands Highway Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in accordance with an interagency agreement.

Indian Reservation Roads are public roads that provide access to and within Indian reservations, Indian trust land, restricted Indian land, and Alaska native villages. Projects eligible for IRR funding include, but are not limited to, resurfacing, restoration and rehabilitation of roads providing access to or within Federal or Indian lands, safety improvements to those roads, acquisition of rights of way, and provision of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. In addition, IRR funds may be used for the State/local matching share for other federal-aid highway programs. [Read more]

Tribal Transit Program

The Tribal Transit Program aims to enhance the access of public transportation on and around Indian reservations in non-urbanized areas to improve access to health care, shopping, education, employment, pubic services, and recreation.

All Federally-recognized Tribes are eligible recipients for funding under the Tribal Transit Program. Funds are awarded annually, based on a competitive selection process conducted by the Federal Transit Administration. Recipients of the Tribal Transit Program funds may use these funds for planning, capital, and operating assistance for public transit services, and support for intercity bus service. [Read more]

Section 402 State and Community Highway Safety Grant Funds

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides safety grant funds to the Secretary of the Interior to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic loss due to motor vehicle related crashes on Tribal land. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) administers the funds, known as the Section 402 State and Community Highway Safety Grant Funds.

Eligible funding activities for this program include, but are not limited to, addressing driving in excess of posted speed limits, proper use of occupant protection devices, driving while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance, preventing crashes involving motor vehicles and motorcycles, preventing crashes involving school buses, preventing unsafe driving behaviors, and improving law enforcement services in motor vehicle accident prevention, traffic supervision, and post accident procedures. The BIA publishes an annual request for proposals to all eligible Tribes and provides grants for qualifying programs. NHTSA provides technical assistance to Tribes through partnership with BIA.