In the January 2026 edition of the Cross Timbers Consulting Tribal Transportation News, you will find current information and updates affecting the Tribal transportation industry. If you have an event or information that you would like to see included in a future edition of the CTC Newsletter, please email: info@crosstimbersconsulting.com. | |  | |
IN THIS ISSUE:
+ 2026 Tribal Transportation Training: Registration, Draft Agenda, & Hotel Information
+ ITA Annual Meeting
+ FY 2025 SS4A Awards Announced
+ Tribal Transportation News Feedback Survey
+ Training Opportunities - RIFDS Training
+ Current Funding Opportunities
+ Federal Funding Opportunity Resources
+ Federal Resource Guide
+ Save the Dates
+ CTC Staff Contact Information
| | |
The 2026 Tribal Transportation Training (TTT) is designed to equip Tribal leaders, planners, and transportation professionals with the knowledge necessary to strengthen transportation infrastructure and to effectively manage, develop, and improve Tribal transportation programs. The 2026 TTT will also foster collaboration and information exchange by providing valuable networking opportunities among Tribal and federal participants.
Participation in this year's training is offered at no cost to tribal personnel, ensuring equitable access to critical professional development resources. Non-tribal participation may be accommodated on a space-available basis only.
The 2026 TTT is hosted and coordinated by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Pawnee Nation, Cherokee Nation, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Cross Timbers Consulting. Early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure accurate planning for meals and training materials. Participation is limited to 100 attendees.
| | |
Experience a gathering where sovereignty meets the road. The 2025 Intertribal Transportation Association (ITA) Annual Meeting brings together Tribal leaders, transportation professionals, and advocates to strengthen our shared voice, build meaningful connections, and stay ahead of the latest developments shaping Tribal transportation programs, policies, and funding opportunities. This event, hosted at the OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, is dedicated to fostering excellence, effectiveness, and unity in Tribal Transportation. Honor differences, share knowledge, stand united, and collaboratively chart a stronger, more connected path forward for Indian Country.
Contribute to the advancement of Tribal Transportation. Register now to secure your place and be part of the movement towards a more robust and connected Indian Country!
| | |
In December 2025, the US DOT announced nearly $1 billion in FY 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program funding for 521 projects across 48 states, 18 tribes, and Puerto Rico. This investment will support projects that improve intersection safety, build roundabouts, upgrade sidewalks, and strengthen emergency response services, making streets safer in communities across the country.
The SS4A Grant Program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries. The FY 2026 SS4A NOFO is expected to be announced in the coming months.
For additional SS4A information, visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A.
| | | Congratulations to the Otoe-Missouria Tribe for receiving SS4A funding to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and to conduct a feasibility study to address pedestrian safety concerns at the Otoe-Missouria Tribe Headquarters Complex along County Road 220 in Red Rock, Oklahoma. The feasibility study will test quick-build planters, paint, and plastic delineators along 0.14 miles of County Road 220 and produce a feasibility evaluation with pre and post data and recommendations to inform permanent project selection and Proven Safety Countermeasures. | | We need your input to help us improve the Tribal Transportation News. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on its effectiveness, content, and overall value. Your feedback will help us ensure the newsletter continues to inform, engage, and support your work. | | |
Road Inventory Field Data System (RIFDS) Trainings
Session 1: January 6 - 8, 2026
Session 2: January 13 - 15, 2026
Session 3: January 27 - 29, 2026
Session 4: February 10 - 12, 2026*
TIME: All sessions will be from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
LOCATION: National Indian Programs Training Center (NIPTC), 1011 Indian School Road NW Albuquerque, NM 87104
REGISTER: All requests for attendance need to be emailed to Clarence Kie (Clarence.Kie@bia.gov), with cc: Aldon Francisco (Aldon.Francisco@bia.gov) and Sheldon Kipp (Sheldon.Kipp@bia.gov). Please provide Name, Title, Tribe/Organization, phone number and email address.
QUESTIONS: Email Clarence Kie at Clarence.Kie@bia.gov
*this session is beyond the current Continuing Resolution date of January 30th
| | |
2026 Tribal Transportation Safety Program Safety Fund (TTPSF)
FHWA is now accepting applications for the 2026 Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF). These competitive funds support projects that reduce transportation fatalities and serious injuries in Indian Country.
A webinar reviewing the funding opportunity was held on 12/8/2025. A recording of that meeting is available here.
KEY DETAILS
-
Deadline: January 15, 2026 (Although 2025 awards have not yet been announced, no extension to the 2026 deadline is expected.)
-
Available Funding: Up to $25 million
- Average Award: $450,000 (historically largest awards are $1.6 million)
- Eligible projects include: safety plans and updates; safety data improvement and analysis including systemic safety studies and road safety audits; roadway departure countermeasures (signing, markings, rumble strips, hazard mitigation, guardrail); infrastructure safety improvements (roundabouts, pedestrian/bike separation, flattened slopes, skid-resistant surfaces, curve reconstruction, improved sight distance).
- Multiple applications allowed (submit a separate application for each project).
RESOURCES & CONTACTS
| | |
2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)
BUILD grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for planning or constructing surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation.
KEY DETAILS
-
Deadline: February 24, 2026, 5 PM ET
-
Available Funding: At least $1.5 billion in FY 2026 IIJA funds
- Maximum Award Size: $25 million
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
| | |
TTP Bridge Program
DEADLINE: Any time during the year, federally recognized Indian Tribes may submit an application 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.
DESCRIPTION: The TTP Bridge Program is focused on improving the number of TTP bridges in poor condition.
QUESTIONS: Contact Chris W. Riley, PE., Acting TTP Bridge Program Manager at chris.w.riley@dot.gov
| | |
Tribal High Priority Projects (HPP) Program
DEADLINE: Any time during the year, a Tribe can submit an application package for Tribal HPP Program funding. On January 31, the applications received will be reviewed for eligibility, evaluated, and ranked for funding. Applications submitted after January 31 will be collected for the next fiscal year funding cycle.
DESCRIPTION: This program is a nationwide priority program for: (1) An Indian Tribe or governmental subdivision of an Indian Tribe whose annual allocation of funding under the Tribal Transportation Program is insufficient to complete the highest priority project of the Indian Tribe or governmental subdivision of an Indian Tribe; or (2) Any Indian Tribe that has an emergency or disaster with respect to a transportation facility.
| | | | |
