Tribal Transportation News

In the August 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.

EMAIL CTC

IN THIS ISSUE:

+ Upcoming Event Opportunities

+ Current Funding Opportunities

+ Federal Funding Opportunity Resources

+ Federal Resource Guide

+ Save the Dates

+ CTC Staff Contact Information

RIFDS Training - Albuquerque, NM - August 18/19/20 & August 25/26/27

National Indian Programs Training Center

1011 Indian School Road NW

Albuquerque, NM 87104

For more information contact Sheldon Kipp

email: sheldon.kipp@bia.gov

Office: 505.563.3320 EXT:3322 Cell: 505.238.6389

LTAP

TTAP

Tribal Transit Competitive Program

DEADLINE: August 25, 2026

DESCRIPTION: FTA announced approximately $19 million in available funding for the Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Transit. The Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program, also referred to as Tribal Transit Program (TTP), provides funds for planning, public transportation capital projects, operating costs, job access reverse commute projects, and the acquisition of public transportation service to tribes located in rural areas (those with a population under 50,000). TTP is funded as a takedown from the Section 5311 program, and is a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program that includes a formula program and a competitive grant program.

TRIBAL TRANSIT COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

FTA Announces $610 Million Notice of Funding Opportunity to Modernize U.S. Bus Infrastructure

DEADLINE: September 21, 2026

DESCRIPTION: FTA today announced the opportunity to apply for $610 million in competitive grant funding to support state and local efforts to buy buses; build bus facilities; and support workforce development through the FY 2026 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Programs. FTA's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies in buying and rehabilitating buses and vans and building bus-related facilities. FTA’s Low or No Emission Program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built low- or no-emission vehicles, including related equipment or facilities.

GRANTS FOR BUSES AND BUS FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

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

TPP BRIDGE PROGRAM INFORMATION

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.

TRIBAL HPP PROGRAM INFORMATION

Keep Our Roads Safe This August: NHTSA Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaigns

As we approach the end of summer, national traffic safety initiatives are launching to address the risks associated with impaired driving. A national high-visibility enforcement campaign will be run from August 19 through September 7, 2026, targeting both alcohol and drug-impaired motorists. Increased safety and educational communications will be featured in media outlets starting August 12.

NHTSA provides the following campaign resources to support safety efforts within your community:

Let's all do our part to prevent tragedies on our roads by always making safe choices and designating a sober driver before getting behind the wheel!

US DOT Transportation Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations Publication	US DOT Competitive Grants Dashboard
US DOT Grant Program Funding Opportunity Dashboard	US DOT Navigator
US DOI Grant Opportunities

Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative	Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Information
National Center for Rural Road Safety	US DOT Proven Safety Countermeasures in Rural Communities
USDOT Volpe Center	Transportation Safety for Tribal Governments
Build America Bureau Rural and Tribal Community Resources	FHWA OTT Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)
FHWA OTT Webinar Archive	Joint Office of Energy & Transportation