The Office of Tribal Transportation (OTT) administers the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) and provides stewardship and oversight for direct funding agreements with 135 federally recognized Tribes. The OTT also provides support for all FHWA activities affecting tribal transportation. This support includes the administration of TIGER/BUILD grants awarded to Tribes, and the transfer of funds from States and other local governments to Tribes through the 202(a)(9) transfer process.
In addition, the FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation manages the Tribal Transportation Program Bridge Program and the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund for all federally recognized Tribes. These grant programs are set-asides from the overall Tribal Transportation Program.
The mission of the FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation is:
Through mutual respect and understanding, enhance the quality of life in Tribal communities by supporting the Tribes’ delivery of transportation programs.
Tribal Transportation Program
TTP is the largest program in the Office of Federal Lands Highway. Established in 23 U.S.C. 202 to address the transportation needs of Tribal governments throughout the United States, the program is receiving $465 million in FY 2016, with increases of $10 million per year to $505 million in FY 2020, as established in Public Law 114-94, Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (the FAST Act). The purpose of the TTP is to provide safe and adequate transportation and public road access to and within Indian reservations, Indian lands, and Alaska Native Village communities. A prime objective of the TTP is to contribute to the economic development, self-determination, and employment of Indians and Native Americans.
The Tribal Transportation Program is funded by contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund and is subject to the overall Federal-aid obligation limitation. Funds are allocated among Tribes using a statutory formula based on tribal population, road mileage and average tribal shares of the former Tribal Transportation Allocation Methodology (TTAM) formula.
- Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Tribal Shares and Planning Funds under the FAST Act
- 25 CFR 170 Final Rule (published on November 7, 2016)
- Amendment to 25 CFR 170 Final Rule (Delay of Compliance Date) (published on February 28, 2018)
- On-boarding with FHWA for a Tribal Transportation Program Agreement