Nearly $5 million in funding awarded through FTA’s Tribal Transit Program

Approximately $5 million in federal funding has been awarded to American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to support 39 transit projects in 20 states. The Fiscal Year 2019 grants are under the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Tribal Transit Program.  

The Tribal Transit Program makes funds available to federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages, groups or communities to support capital projects, operating costs and planning activities for public transportation services on and around tribal lands.

"The $5 million in Tribal Transit grants will help connect tribal residents with jobs, healthcare and other essential services," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

FTA received 53 eligible proposals requesting $8.2 million from 21 states for this round of funding.

"The Federal Transit Administration is committed to helping tribal residents with their transportation needs," said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. "These grants will provide new and improved transportation services for tribal residents who need additional travel options."

The project award amounts varied between the smallest of $9,450 and the largest of $593,000.

Examples of selected projects include the following:

The Gulkana Village Council in Alaska, which operates Soaring Eagles Transit, will receive $165,000 to replace transit vehicles that have exceeded their useful life. This project will improve safety, mobility and service reliability for residents who use the service for local and intercity travel to surrounding communities in the region.

The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians in Maine will receive $245,000 to purchase a loader and plow to maintain its transit facilities and routes to ensure continued services for its tribal members in Aroostook County. The equipment will be used to remove snow and debris from transportation facilities and transit routes through the winter months and for materials movement at facilities in spring, summer and fall.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina will receive $280,800 to replace vehicles that have exceeded their useful life and to purchase a new vehicle for service expansion. This project will address state of good repair needs and help the tribe continue to provide transit service for residents to access jobs, education and community services.

The Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska will receive $249,999 to continue operations and maintenance of its transit service. The project will ensure safe, reliable and economical transit services for tribal residents.

“By improving transit services, this funding will help keep Nebraska Native Americans in Richardson County connected, ensuring residents can travel safely and efficiently,” said U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).

In addition to the $5 million in competitive funding announced today, $30 million in formula funding is provided to tribes each fiscal year as authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.