Title: U.S. Department of Transportation Invests Over $108 Million in Federal and Tribal Lands Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a significant investment in improving infrastructure and road safety on Federal and Tribal lands. Over $108 million in grants have been awarded to 85 projects across the country, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing transportation and reducing roadway fatalities in these areas.
Key Points:
- Funding Breakdown:
- $88 million for five major projects under the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program
- $20.5 million for 80 projects through the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund
- Notable Projects:
- $22 million for road reconstruction in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- $24.1 million for the Jack Springs Road project in Alabama, benefiting the Poarch Band of Creek Indians
- $20 million for a highway project in North Carolina, supporting the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- $11 million for the Historic Columbia River Highway project in Oregon
- $11.1 million for a multimodal network at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois
- Impact and Importance: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the vital role of good infrastructure in these areas, stating, “The grants we are announcing today will help make travel in these areas safer.” Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs Arlando Teller highlighted the importance of improving safety on Tribal lands.
- Infrastructure Law Support: This funding is bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides up to $355 million per year for the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects program from 2022 to 2026. The law also ensures that half of this funding goes to Tribal transportation facilities.
- Future Opportunities: FHWA plans to announce additional funding opportunities in the coming weeks. Interested parties can sign up for the Office of Tribal Transportation mailing list for updates.
- Resources for Tribal Nations: FHWA has developed a Transportation Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations guide to assist the 574 Federally Recognized Tribes in navigating new and existing highway programs created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This significant investment underscores the commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, safety, and economic opportunities in Federal and Tribal lands across the United States.