The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is awarding $8.9 million to fund 58 projects for 51 Tribes for fiscal year 2021 with an eye on improved transportation safety. 

According to a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration press release, the grants, to help improve roads on tribal lands, come on the heels of $120 million to help tribes through the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund, a result of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“There are projects that we know are the most likely to reduce fatalities and serious injuries and this historic funding opportunity aims to improve transportation safety in Tribal areas,” Stephanie Pollack, deputy federal highway administrator, said in the USDOT press release. “Simple changes like adding rumble strips, better lighting, or clearer stop signs can and will save lives in communities across the country. FHWA is ready to assist Tribal leaders in their work to make travel safer in Indian country.”

According to the USDOT release, an increase in roadway deaths created the need to slow that trend with road improvements geared toward safety, and the National Roadway Safety Strategy plan noted that the rise in fatalities seemed more prevalent among Native Americans. 

Moreover, the release noted that 51 tribes will share in the finding, which will be allocated among 58 projects. USDOT noted in the release that improvements that can impact safety can include improved shoulders, rumble strips and stop signs with enhanced visibility. 

According to the release, the recipients announced include 11 tribes receiving program funding for the first time and will form their first safety plans.