The primary purpose of these competitively selected grants is to support planning, capital, and, in limited circumstances, operating assistance for tribal public transit services. Funds distributed to Indian tribes under the TTP should NOT replace or reduce funds that Indian tribes receive from States through FTA's Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program.
The Tribal Transit Program supports FTA's strategic goals and objectives through the timely and efficient investment in public transportation. This program also supports the President's Build Back Better initiative to mobilize American ingenuity to build a modern infrastructure and an equitable, clean energy future.
Eligible projects include public transportation planning, capital, or operating expenses. Unlike in prior years, all eligible applicants may apply for operating assistance. Public transportation includes regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation services open to the public or open to a segment of the public defined by age, disability, or low income. FTA will award grants to eligible Indian tribes proposing projects serving rural areas. Applicants must submit one proposal for each project. Specific types of projects include: capital investment for start-ups, replacement, or expansion needs; operating assistance; and planning projects up to $25,000. Indian tribes applying for capital replacement or expansion needs must demonstrate a sustainable source of operating funds for existing or expanded services.
In FY 2022, the program received applications for 47 eligible projects requesting a total of $18,060,946. Twenty-five projects were funded to 25 Tribes at a total of $8,635,124. FY22 awards can be seen at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs/fiscal-year-2022-tribal-transit-project-selections.
Funds must be used only for the specific purposes requested in the application. Funds under this NOFO cannot be used to reimburse projects for otherwise eligible expenses incurred prior to an FTA award under this program.