Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program

Section 3013(c) of SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59 (August 10, 2005) amended 49 U.S.C. 5311(c) by establishing the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program or TTP). This program authorizes direct grants “under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Secretary” to Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under FTA’s Nonurbanized Area Formula Program, 49 U.S.C. 5311 (Section 5311 program). Approximately $15 million is expected to be available for the Tribal Transit Program discretionary allocation and may include other discretionary program funds that become available. The total amount of funding available will be contingent on Congressional authorization prior to the selection of awardees, and based on the timing of such funding becoming available, may also include funding appropriated for Fiscal Year 2013. TTP funds are to be allocated for grants to Federally-recognized Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under the Section 5311 program. The Conference Report that accompanied SAFETEA-LU indicated that the funds set aside for Indian tribes in the TTP are not meant to replace or reduce funds that Indian tribes receive from States through FTA’s Section 5311 program. TTP funds are meant to complement any 5311 funds that applicants may be receiving. Tribal transit funds will be competitively allocated to support planning, capital, and operating assistance for tribal public transit services. For complete details, please refer to the FRN at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-03-09/html/2012-5819.htm