FTA Announces $5M Funding Opportunity to Improve Transit Options for Tribal Residents

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of $5 million in competitive grant funds to enhance public transit service for American Indians, Alaska natives and other residents on rural tribal lands. Funding is provided through FTA’s Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Tribal Transit Program. A Notice of Funding Opportunity appeared in today’s (January 19) Federal Register.

The Tribal Transit Program supports projects that operate or enhance existing transit service, launch new public transportation services, invest in new or­ replacement equipment, or plan for future transit needs. Beyond projects that link tribal residents directly with employment centers, the NOFO also requests projects that foster  coordinated planning that links tribal communities to workforce development, training, and basic services that improve job prospects. 

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act authorizes $5 million in annual competitive funds as well as $30 million in annual formula funds to tribes providing public transportation. The FAST Act increased the Tribal Transit formula program from $25 million to $30 million to help tribes to provide and enhance existing transit services.