Resources for Tribal Communities

This page highlights a selection of available technical assistance resources and funding opportunities for Tribal transportation projects. This list is not comprehensive; if you have specific questions or needs, please reach out to USDOTAssist@dot.gov.   

Technical Assistance Programs 

Tribal Technical Assistance Program: A go-to local resource from FHWA for Tribal transportation training, technical assistance, and technology transfer needs and opportunities. 

Local Technical Assistance Program: A network of 51 local Centers across the US and in Puerto Rico funded by FHWA that provides low- or no-cost training and technical assistance to local and rural road agencies.  

Center for Local Aid Support: FHWA’s Center for Local Aid Support Office connects with Local, Tribal and Federal Land Management Agency transportation networks to provide national leadership in the advancement of innovative technologies and practices. Local Aid Support is focused on workforce development and promoting cutting-edge solutions to deliver real results that enhance our nation's transportation system. 

Technical Assistance and Resources for Tribal Nations: The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation facilitates the adoption of electrified transportation in collaboration with Tribal Nations by providing comprehensive technical assistance and resources. This page offers general information about electric vehicles (EVs), access to technical assistance through the Joint Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, and current funding opportunities available to Tribal Nations for electrified transportation. 

Funding Resources 

Transportation Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations: Provides information to Tribes on new and existing highway and bridge transportation funding programs for which Tribes are eligible. This document does not include programs subject to an annual appropriation, which have not been funded by Congress. This resource was last updated in September 2024. 

DOT Competitive Grants Dashboard: The DOT Competitive Grants Dashboard provides communities with an overview of grant opportunities that can help meet their transportation infrastructure needs. Designed with all communities in mind, the Dashboard identifies grant programs with rural and Tribal set-asides or match waivers available. The Dashboard also includes Federal grant programs outside of DOT that may be of particular interest to rural communities. The Dashboard is updated weekly. 

Tribal Transportation Program Delivery Guide: A valuable resource for Tribal Governments in their administration of the Tribal Transportation Program, providing a source of technical transportation and program information. 

Popular Grant Programs for Tribes 

The list below represents a selection of grant opportunities specifically intended for Tribal applicants. This list is not comprehensive and users should visit individual program websites for more information on open application periods.  

• Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program: Provides funding for the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of nationally significant projects within, adjacent to, or accessing Federal and Tribal lands. 

• Rural and Tribal Technical Assistance Program: Supports legal, technical, and financial advisors to help advance infrastructure projects. 

• Tribal High Priority Projects Program: A $9 million set-aside of the Tribal Transportation Program, intended for Tribes for whom funding from the Tribal Transportation Program is not sufficient to complete the highest priority project or any Tribe that has experienced an emergency or disaster on a tribal transportation facility. 

• Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program: Federally recognized Indian Tribes may submit an application at any time for eligible TTP bridges for planning, design, engineering, preconstruction, construction, and inspection of new or replacement bridges; replace, rehabilitate, seismically retrofit, paint, apply calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and deicing composition; or implement any countermeasure for TTP bridges classified as in poor condition, having a low load capacity, or needing highway geometric improvements, including multiple-pipe culverts. 

• Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund: Supports federally recognized Tribes in the development of transportation safety plans; safety data assessment, improvement, and analysis; systemic roadway departure countermeasures; and infrastructure improvements.  

General Resources 

Policies and Programs 

USDOT Tribal Consultation Plan: The USDOT seeks to foster and facilitate positive government-to-government relations between the Department, and all Federally recognized Indian tribes. The purpose of this plan is to develop, improve, and maintain partnerships with Indian tribes by using agreed upon processes when the Department develops, changes, or implements policies, programs, or services with tribal implications. 

Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program: The Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) provides federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations with greater control, flexibility, and decision-making authority over DOT funds used to carry out tribal transportation programs, functions, services, and activities (PFSAs) in tribal communities. 

Technical Resources

Tribal Crash Reporting Toolkit: A toolkit designed to help Tribal governments collect, manage, and analyze crash data. 

Tribal Development of Trails and Other Dedicated Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: This resource provides information and resources on the health and economic benefits of trails, funding opportunities, partnership opportunities, and resources for trail planning. It also highlights examples of successful trail plans and projects implemented by Tribes and their partners.