The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on Jan. 24 announced that will be helping tribes administer transportation programs through an assistance program.
The FHWA will make this possible by distributing $17.8 million over five years to various native tribes to establish seven Tribal Technical Assistance Program Centers (TTAP), according to a U.S. Department of Transportation press release.
“The Tribal Technical Assistance Program Centers will help Tribal nations build capacity within their organizations, deliver important training resources, and help Tribal communities plan, construct and maintain their transportation networks,” Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs Arlando Teller said, according to the release.
TTAP Centers deliver the Tribal part of the FHWA's Local Technical Assistance Program and will host technical training programs to strengthen native tribes’ ability to self-govern in regards to transportation programs, according to the release.
In 2017, the seven centers were converted into one central program, and now the seven individual centers are being refunded, according to the release.
The release states, "Given the additional funding provided for Tribes under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the fact that Tribes are eligible for several new discretionary programs, the re-established TTAP Centers will provide a valuable resource at an important time to support Tribes in competing for funding from the law, and advance programs and projects to improve safety on Tribal lands, foster economic opportunity and build economic strength."
Reopening the centers will allow tribes to better maintain and enhance their local transportation systems and strengthen their economy, according to the release.
“Re-establishing regional TTAP Centers will help Tribal governments increase their ability to plan, develop, deliver and manage transportation programs, projects and critical infrastructure,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said, according to the release. “These capacity-building resources are particularly critical now with new resources flowing to Tribes thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
Those wanting to apply can do so by visiting www.grants.gov. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 25.
