The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently made available $10 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2021 through the Tribal Transit Program.
The program supports public transportation for federally recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities in rural areas to help them to meet the needs of citizens.
“For people who live on Tribal lands, access to reliable, affordable public transportation is vital – transit helps tribal communities respond to climate change challenges,” Nuria I. Fernandez, FTA deputy administrator, said. “This funding opportunity will assist Tribal governments by improving mobility for their residents who rely on public transportation to access jobs, healthcare, and other important services.”
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 25 and evaluated based on the list criteria, including how the project will improve the quality of life for the tribe and surrounding communities.
The FTA will prioritize projects that help improve air quality and further environmental justice based on President Joe Biden’s January executive order concerning protecting public health, the environment, and restoring science to tackle the climate crisis.
Congress authorized the program through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.