TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION TRAINING

April 21 - 23, 2026

Citizen Potawatomi Nation Reunion Halls I Shawnee, Oklahoma

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This training 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. Tribal Transportation Training (TTT) 2026 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. TTT 2026 is hosted and coordinated by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Pawnee Nation, Cherokee Nation, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Cross Timbers Consulting. 

TTT registration and the draft agenda will be available on November 15, 2025. Early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure accurate planning for meals and training materials. Participation is limited to 100 attendees.

The TTT website is now live! Check it out at tribaltransportationtraining.com.

In October 2025, Cross Timbers Consulting Project Manager Pamela Skraastad-Jurney, AICP, GISP, was appointed to a Main Member position on the Standing Committee on Native Americans and Tribal Lands of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This is a three-year term commitment (October 20, 2025 - April 14, 2028).

This committee is concerned with research and innovation related to the transportation needs of Native American communities and issues affecting tribal lands. This includes roles and interactions of tribal, federal, state, and local governments in the development, coordination, and implementation of transportation laws, policies, plans, programs, and projects.

Pam is looking forward to working with and learning from the other professionals on the TRB Standing Committee on Native Americans and Tribal Lands committee. CTC congratulates Pam on this amazing appointment and opportunity!

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TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY PROGRAM SAFETY FUND

DEADLINE: January 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET

AVAILABLE FUNDING: Up to $25 million

DESCRIPTION: 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. 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); 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:

FHWA TTPSF page: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/tribal/safety/funds

Questions and completed applications: TTPSF@dot.gov

Program manager: Adam Larsen, FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation, 360-619-2601, TTPSF@dot.gov

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.

IMPLEMENTING THE SAFE SYSTEM APPROACH COURSE

DATE: October 8 - November 19, 2025

LOCATION: Online

ORGANIZATION: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

DESCRIPTION: The Implementing the Safe System Approach course is a new certificate-based blending learning course that will provide an in-depth understanding of the Safe System Approach and its application. The Safe System Approach is a holistic and strategic level approach to achieving zero transportation-related severe injuries and fatalities. At its foundation, the Safe System Approach acknowledges that humans make mistakes and are vulnerable to crash impacts. This approach is a change from traditional safety practice and is based on shared responsibility, redundancy, and proactive action across five elements: Safe Road Users, Safe Vehicles, Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, and Post-Crash Care. The intended audience for the course is transportation planners, engineers, safety data analysts, public health professionals, and other key stakeholders with shared responsibility within the Safe System. 

This online blending learning course will consist of pre-recorded modules delivered by subject matter experts and four live instructor-led discussion sessions. The first live session features an introduction to Safe System Theory and Practice, including an overview of new legislation and programs.

As fall arrives, Americans take routine safety steps, like testing smoke alarms and replacing furnace filters, to keep their loved ones safe. However, one critical, life-saving check often gets overlooked: checking for vehicle safety recalls.

Unrepaired recalls can lead to crashes, injuries or worse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to check for open vehicle safety recalls at least twice a year. It’s fast, free and could save lives.

• Recall lookup tools via license plate or VIN
• SaferCar app for quick checks

November 16 - 21 I NCAI 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace

Seattle Convention Center I Seattle, WA I ncai.org

December 7 - 10 I National RTAP Conference

Hyatt Regency Austin I Austin, TX I nationalrtap.org

December 16 I OTTC Meeting I 10 AM - 11AM

ODOT I 200 N.E 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105

December 16 I TAB Meeting I 11 AM - 12 PM

ODOT I 200 N.E 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK 73105

March 23 - 24, 2026 I Native Land Conference

Mystic Lake, Prior Lake, Minnesota I iltf.org

April 21 - 23, 2026 I Tribal Transportation Training

CPN Reunion Halls I Shawnee, Oklahoma I tribaltransportationtraining.com