Transportation Funding 

Opportunities for 

Tribal Nations

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

Updated: May 27, 2022
Overview

Transportation Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the 

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), represents a once-in-a-generation 

investment in our nation’s infrastructure, competitiveness, and communities 

and provides approximately $550 billion in new Federal infrastructure 

investment.

This includes historic and critical investments in Tribal transportation 

through the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP), including increased 

funding to programs dedicated to Tribal needs and increased Tribal eligibility 

for new and existing discretionary grant programs. The first year of the 

BIL (2022) increases TTP funding by 15 percent over 2020 levels—and over 

the full range of the BIL (2022-2026), the law provides more than $3 billion 

for the program. This dedicated historic level of funding benefits all 574 

federally recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages (Tribes).

The BIL provides substantial resources to help tribes advance projects that 

consider the unique circumstances affecting community members’ mobility 

needs and allocate resources consistently with those needs, enabling the 

transportation network to effectively serve all community members. The 

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will work with Tribes to ensure 

consideration of using Federal funds for projects and inclusion of project 

elements that proactively address racial equity, workforce development, 

economic development and removing barriers to opportunity, including 

automobile dependence in both rural and urban communities as a barrier to 

opportunity, or to redress prior inequities and barriers to opportunity. 
Unless otherwise noted, the source of the photos 

in this document is FHWA.

Safety continues to be the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) top 

priority. Tragically, based upon statistics, Native Americans remain the group 

most likely to lose their lives in car crashes. Dedicated safety funding within 

the TTP more than doubled in the BIL, giving us more opportunities to work 

together to improve safety in Tribal communities. The National Roadway 

Safety Strategy (NRSS) (issued January 27, 2022) commits the USDOT and 

FHWA to respond to the current crisis in traffic fatalities by “taking substantial, 

comprehensive action to significantly reduce serious and fatal injuries on the 

Nation’s roadways,” in pursuit of the goal of achieving zero highway deaths. 

FHWA recognizes that zero is the only acceptable number of deaths on our 

roads and achieving that is our safety goal. FHWA therefore encourages Tribes 

to prioritize safety in all Federal highway investments and in all appropriate 

projects, using relevant funding.

In addition, the BIL includes an unprecedented investment in the Tribal 

Transportation Bridge Program. Here, the BIL provides more than $1 billion 

dollars over five years (2022-2026)—a 14-fold increase compared to the FAST 

Act—through dedicated set-asides from the new Bridge Investment Program 

and Bridge Formula Program. 

Tribes are eligible to access many of the new highway programs created 

under the BIL, including programs focused on resilience, electric charging 

and alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure, and repairing and replacing 

culverts. Tribes can also apply for several unprecedented USDOT-led surface 

transportation competitive grant programs that will provide billions for 

infrastructure projects across the country.
4

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

N.E. Fort Gibson Road.

Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma.

Funding for Tribes

Federal Role and Assistance

The purpose of this document is to provide information to Tribes on new 

and existing highway and bridge transportation funding programs for which 

Tribes are eligible. This document does not include programs subject to an 

annual appropriation, which have not been funded by Congress.

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Federal Lands 

Highway, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), provide funding and 

support for addressing the transportation needs of the 574 federally 

recognized Tribes. The FHWA’s Office of Tribal Transportation provides 

stewardship and oversight for direct funding agreements with 135 of the 

federally recognized Tribes and provides support for all FHWA activities 

affecting Tribal transportation. The BIA provides support for the remaining 

Tribes. 
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

5

The FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation is Tribes’ first point 

of contact for assistance with direct funding agreements with 

FHWA.

For more information about the Office of Tribal 

Transportation, please visit: 

https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs-tribal

The FHWA Federal-aid Highway Division Offices are the face 

and voice of FHWA to the States. There is a Division Office 

located in every state, the district of Columbia and Puerto 

Rico. FHWA Division Offices provide stewardship, guidance, 

best practices, and technical assistance with contributions 

from FHWA's Headquarters and technical program staff, 

as needed. They also ensure that the overall objectives of 

the Federal-aid Highway Program are met and that Federal 

financial resources are distributed in accordance with 

applicable laws and regulations. Tribal facilities may be 

eligible for Federal-aid programs listed in this brochure. 

To contact the appropriate Division Office for your location, 

please visit: 

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/field.cfm

Tribes that work directly with the BIA through program 

agreements or other contract authorities should contact 

the BIA Department of Transportation and/or the Tribe’s 

BIA Regional Transportation Representative for more 

information on administration and program assistance. 

For more information on BIA's role, please visit: 

https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/division-transportation

FHWA.

BIA.

Who to Contact
6

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

N9402 Bridge.

Navajo Nation, Arizona.

Federal funds are provided to Tribes within specific programs, and 

each program has its own eligibility criteria for allowable work. 

The intent of this document is to help increase Tribes’ awareness 

of available highway and bridge Federal funds and the associated 

eligibility criteria.

How to Access Funding

• Formula Funding: 

The FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation distributes Federal 

transportation funds as they become available. TTP formula funds 

(known as Tribal shares) are distributed to Tribes and the BIA. Some 

Tribes receive this funding according to their program agreements 

with FHWA. The FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation also sends 

funds to the BIA for Tribes that have made other arrangements to 

access the program. Other formula funding is distributed to State 

DOTs by statute, which Tribal roads and bridges may be eligible for. 

See your respective State DOT for your location for specifics on those 

funding opportunities. 

For more information, please visit: https://highways.dot.gov/federallands/programs-tribal/finance.

• Competitive Funding Opportunities (Grants): 

Tribes are eligible to apply for a number of USDOT competitive 

funding opportunities. Examples include the new Safe Streets 

and Roads for All program; Promoting Resilient Operations for 

Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) 

program; Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program; Bridge 

Investment program; Reconnecting Communities Pilot program; and 

Rural Surface Transportation Grants program; and others. Generally, 

competitive funding is made available via a Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO) published at Grants.gov.
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

7

FHWA encourages Tribes to take full advantage of BIL’s 

opportunities, to more fully realize the transformative effects 

from this historic increase in funding. FHWA supports Tribes by 

prioritizing the critical technical assistance tools that help Tribes 

plan, fund, and execute successful projects.

How Can We Help You?

• FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation: FHWA regularly provides 

technical and program support to its Tribal government stakeholders by 

offering technical assistance and project delivery training sessions on a 

regular basis at Tribal transportation summits and meetings, as well as 

on request. 

Please contact your Tribal Coordinator or other FHWA Office of Tribal 

Transportation staff member at https://highways.dot.gov/federallands/programs-tribal/contact-info to discuss your needs or learn 

more about how to access training. 

• Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP): FHWA’s Tribal Technical 

Assistance Program (TTAP) (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/clas/ttap/) 

provides comprehensive transportation training and technical assistance 

to Tribal communities, building skills and expertise to improve the safety 

and maintenance of Tribal roads and the professional development of 

the Tribal transportation workforce.

FHWA is working to re-establish and operate seven TTAP Centers 

throughout the country and looks forward to continuing to strengthen its 

vital relationship with Tribes through these Centers.
8

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE PROGRAMS: TRIBAL ELIGIBILITY

Program Funding 

(FY22-26)

New 

Program

Formula/

Competitive Purpose

Dedicated Tribal Programs

Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) $3.01 B F Provide safe and adequate transportation and public road 

access.

Tribal High Priority Projects Program $45 M C

Funding for those whose annual allocation of funding 

received under the TTP is insufficient to complete the 

highest priority project.

Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program 

/ Bridge Formula Program (BFP) Tribal Bridge 

Set-aside

$825 M C* Replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct new 

bridges.

Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program / 

Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Tribal Bridge 

Set-aside

$200 M C* Replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct new 

bridges.

Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF) $121 M C Prevent and reduce transportation-related injuries and 

fatalities on Tribal Lands.

Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) $17.8 M C Transportation training and technical assistance.

Other Programs

Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) 

Demonstration $10 M C

Provide funding as an incentive to accelerate the 

deployment and adoption of proven innovative practices 

and technologies.

Bridge Formula Program (BFP) $27.5 B F Fund the replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and 

construction of highway bridges.

Bridge Investment Program $12.5 B C Fund the planning and improvement of bridge condition, 

safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure $2.5 B NEW! C Support deployment of EV charging infrastructure and 

hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure.

Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) F Reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public 

roads.

Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) 

(Nationally Significant Freight and Highway 

Projects)

$7.25 B C

Advance multimodal freight and highway projects of 

national or regional significance that improve the safety, 

efficiency, and reliability of the system.

Local and Regional Project Assistance (RAISE) $8.275 B C Fund transportation infrastructure projects with significant 

local or regional impact.

National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and 

Restoration Grants $1 B NEW! C Improve or restore passage for anadromous fish.

National Infrastructure Project Assistance 

“Mega-projects” $5 B NEW! C

Support multijurisdictional or regional projects of 

significance that may also cut across multiple modes of 

transportation.

National Scenic Byways $22 M C

Fund improvements that merit national recognition for 

outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural recreational 

and archeological qualities.

* See additional details in the program description.
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

9

HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE PROGRAMS: TRIBAL ELIGIBILITY

Program Funding 

(FY22-26)

New 

Program

Formula/

Competitive Purpose

Other Programs (Cont.)

Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal 

Projects Program (NSFLTP) $275 M C Address significant challenges across the nation for 

transportation facilities that serve Federal and tribal lands.

Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, 

Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation 

(PROTECT)

$1.4 B NEW! C Support resilience improvements.

Reconnecting Communities Pilot $1 B NEW! C Restore community connectivity by removing highways 

that create barriers.

Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities $400 M NEW! C Reduce truck idling and emissions at ports.

Rural Surface Transportation Grants $2 B NEW! C Improve and expand surface transportation infrastructure 

in rural areas.

Safe Streets and Roads for All $5 B NEW! C Support local safety initiatives to prevent transportationrelated deaths and serious injuries.

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing 

Transportation (SMART) Grant Program $500 M C

Fund demonstration projects focused on advanced smart 

city or community technologies and systems to improve 

transportation efficiency and safety.

Transportation Alternatives $7.2 B C Fund a variety of generally smaller-scale transportation 

projects.

Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program $350 M NEW! C Reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and 

improve habitat connectivity.

*

See program for aditional details.

The table above is not fully inclusive of all potentially available programs. 

It omits programs that do not become active unless Congress passes an 

annual appropriations law to fund those programs. 

The FHWA knows how critically important infrastructure funding is to Tribal 

governments. Be sure to contact FHWA to check on the latest funding 

opportunities, or visit: 

https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs-tribal/contact-info
10

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: Provide safe and adequate transportation and public road access 

to and within Indian reservations, Indian lands, and Alaska Native Village 

communities.

• Funding: $3.01 billion

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $578 

million

$590 

million

$602 

million

$613 

million

$628 

million

• Program Type: Formula.

• Federal Share: 100 percent. 

• Eligible activities: Tribes can use these funds for eligible transportation 

activities such as planning, design, construction, and road and bridge 

maintenance.

• BIL Changes to TTP:

◊ Tribal bridges: Eliminates the current TTP set-aside of 3 percent for the 

Tribal Transportation Bridge Program, and instead funds Tribal bridges 

via set-asides from the Bridge Investment Program and Bridge Formula 

Program.

◊ Sets aside $9 million per year from the TTP to fund the Tribal High Priority 

Projects Program. (See below for additional detail on this program).

◊ Increases set-aside for the TTP Safety Fund (TTPSF) from 2 percent to 4 

percent. (See below for additional detail on the TTPSF.)

◊ Updates bridge terminology, replacing language referring to “structurally 

deficient” or “functionally obsolete” bridges with terminology such as “in 

poor condition.”

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement. 

◊ Program website: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programstribal

◊ FHWA Tribal Transportation Program Overview: https://highways.dot.

gov/federal-lands/programs-tribal/program-overview

Tribal Transportation Program (TTP)

TRIBES

ONLY
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

11

• Purpose: Provide funding to an Indian Tribe or a governmental subdivision 

of an Indian Tribe whose annual allocation of funding received under the 

TTP is insufficient to complete the highest priority project of the Tribe, or 

to any Indian Tribe that has an emergency or disaster occur on a tribal 

transportation facility that renders the facility impassible or unusable and 

which is not eligible under the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads 

(ERFO) program.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $9 million $9 million $9 million $9 million $9 million

• Program Type: Competitive.

• Federal Share: Up to 100 percent. 

• Eligible activities: Information will be added as it becomes available.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement. 

◊ BIL marks the first time in over ten years that a program focused on Tribal 

high priority projects has received funding.

◊ $9 million per year of program funds is a set-aside from the TTP.

◊ In the event of an emergency or disaster, funding under the Tribal High 

Priority Projects Program can be used if the work is not otherwise eligible 

under the ERFO or Emergency Relief (ER) Programs. For more information 

on ERFO, please visit https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/

programs/erfo. For more information on FHWA’s overall ER programs, 

please visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/programadmin/erelief.cfm. 

◊ The statutory language of the Tribal High Priority Projects Program is 

modeled after the former regulatory Indian Reservation Roads High 

Priority Projects Program (IRRHPP), which was developed through 

negotiated rulemaking, including the Project Scoring Matrix to evaluate 

applications.

Tribal High Priority Projects Program

TRIBES

ONLY
12

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: Funding to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct 

new bridges.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $165 

million

$165 

million

$165 

million

$165 

million

$165 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. Projects will be programmed for funding after 

a completed application package is received and accepted by the FHWA. 

• Federal Share: 100 percent. 

• Eligible activities: Planning, design, engineering, preconstruction, 

construction, and inspection of new or replacement tribal transportation 

facility 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 tribal transportation facility bridges 

classified as in poor condition, having a low load capacity, or needing 

highway geometric improvements, including multiple-pipe culverts.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ Of the BFP funds appropriated from the General Fund per FY for this 

program, 3 percent are set aside for Tribal transportation facility bridges, 

which shall be administered as if made available under the Tribal 

Transportation Program.

◊ Please refer to the Bridge Formula Program for details on an additional 15 

percent BFP set-aside for “off-system” bridges.

◊ Please reach out to your respective State DOT for specifics on their BFP 

funding opportunities.

◊ The set aside follows the criteria in 23 CFR 661 for ranking applications.

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program

Bridge Formula Program (BFP) Tribal Bridge Set-aside

TRIBES

ONLY

The BIL funds the Tribal Bridge Program with set-asides from the Bridge Formula 

Program (BFP) and the Bridge Investment Program (BIP). Note that the two setasides below (the Bridge Formula Program and the Bridge Investment Program) 

are jointly administered under the Tribal Transportation Bridge program, 

including issuance of guidance, funding availability, and overall program 

administration.
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

13

• Purpose: Funding to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, protect, and construct 

new bridges.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $36 million $38 million $40 million $42 million $44 million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: 100 percent for the funds from the General Fund. 

• Eligible activities: To carry out any planning, design, engineering, 

preconstruction, construction, and inspection of new or replacement tribal 

transportation facility 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 to implement any countermeasure for tribal transportation 

facility bridges classified as in poor condition, having a low load capacity, or 

needing highway geometric improvements, including multiple-pipe culverts.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ TTP funds may be used to meet matching or cost participation 

requirements.

◊ An average of $40 million per year is set aside for Tribal transportation 

facility bridges, which are considered part of the Tribal Transportation 

Program.

Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Tribal Bridge Set-aside

Fort Yukon Ivar’s Bridge Replacement under construction.

Fort Yukon, Alaska.
14

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: Funding dedicated to preventing and reducing transportationrelated injuries and fatalities on Tribal Lands.

• Funding: The anticipated maximum available funding is presented below 

(rounded to the nearest tenths). 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $23.1 

million

$23.6 

million

$24.1 

million

$24.5 

million

$25.1 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: 100 percent federal share. Applicants can propose a match. 

• Eligible projects/activities:

◊ Development and update of transportation safety plans

◊ Crash data assessment, improvement, and analysis

◊ Systemic roadway departure countermeasures

◊ Infrastructure improvements and other eligible activities as listed in 

23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4).

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ This program is a set-aside of the TTP. BIL increased the set-aside from 2 

percent to 4 percent.

◊ Program website: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programstribal/safety/funds

◊ In addition to dedicated Tribal safety funding, safety projects on Tribal 

lands are also eligible for funding under other Federal-aid highway 

programs, including the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) 

and the Transportation Alternatives (TA) set-aside from the Surface 

Transportation Block Grant Program. (See below for additional 

information on HSIP and TA.).

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund 

(TTPSF)

TRIBES

ONLY
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

15

Green Bridge Rehabilitation Project under construction. 

Pawnee Nation, Oklahoma.

• Purpose: Provide comprehensive transportation training and technical 

assistance to tribal communities, building skills and expertise to ensure the 

safety and maintenance of tribal roads.

• Funding: 

Total $17.8 million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: 100 percent. 

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ Website: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/clas/ttap/

◊ Current request for applications closed on May 2, 2022 

◊ Awards for TTAP Center cooperative agreements are anticipated to be 

made by the end of FY22.

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) 

TRIBES

ONLY
16

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

Littlewater Chapter House Access Road. 

Navajo Nation, New Mexico 
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

17

The Saint Michael Roadway Improvement Project. 

Tribal Village of Saint Michael Bering Sea, Alaska.

• Purpose: Provide funding as an incentive to accelerate the deployment 

and adoption of proven innovative practices and technologies in highway 

transportation projects.

• Funding: $10 million for FY 2022. 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022

Amount $10 million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent. TTP funds may be used to meet matching 

or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Eligible projects may involve any phase of 

a highway transportation project between project planning and project 

delivery including planning, financing, operation, structures, materials, 

pavements, environment, and construction. AID Demonstration projects 

must: 1) be eligible for assistance under title 23, United States Code; 2) 

address goals of FHWA’s Technology and Innovation Deployment Program 

(TIDP); 3) pilot a proven transportation innovation for the applicant; and 4) 

be ready to initiate within six months of receiving award.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ AID Demonstration is funded by the TIDP. 

◊ Program website: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/grants/.

Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) 

demonstration 
18

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

Green Beret Bridge Replacement. 

Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

Big Horn County, Montana.

• Purpose: Fund the replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and 

construction of highway bridges.

• Funding: A minimum of 15 percent of each State’s BFP apportionment 

shall be for use on “off-system” bridges (highway bridges located on public 

roads, other than bridges located on Federal-aid highways). 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $5.5 billion $5.5 billion $5.5 billion $5.5 billion $5.5 billion

• Program Type: Formula. 

• Federal Share: 100 percent. No match required for funds used on an “offsystem” bridge that is owned by a federally-recognized Tribe. 

• Eligible projects/activities: Tribally owned bridges on tribal roads are 

eligible under the 15 percent set-aside for "off-system" bridges. Includes, 

but is not limited to, projects to replace, rehabilitate, preserve or protect 

one or more bridges.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ This 15 percent set-aside for “off-system” bridges is different than the 

3 percent BFP Tribal set-aside for Tribal transportation facility bridges 

made available under the Tribal Transportation Program. See program for 

details.

◊ BFP Fact Sheet: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructurelaw/bfp.cfm

◊ Please reach out to your respective State DOT for specifics on their BFP 

funding opportunities.

Bridge Formula Program (BFP)
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

19

Rainbow Arch Historic Bridge Citizen Potawatomi Nation. 

Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.

• Purpose: Fund the planning and improvement of bridge condition, safety, 

efficiency, and reliability.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $2.45 

billion

$2.49 

billion

$2.50 

billion

$2.52 

billion

$2.53 

billion

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Flexible and in some instances higher than 80 percent 

based on project specifications. TTP funds may also be used as part of the 

non-federal match. Further details to follow. 

• Eligible projects/activities: Includes, but is not limited to, projects to 

replace, rehabilitate, preserve or protect one or more bridges on the 

National Bridge Inventory. Also, projects to replace or rehabilitate culverts 

to improve flood control and improve habitat connectivity for aquatic 

species.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ DOT and FHWA are working expeditiously to stand up this program. 

NOFOs, Fact Sheets and Guidance will be populated on the FHWA BIL 

website as it becomes available.

Bridge Investment Program 
20

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: Fund the strategic deployment of publicly accessible EV 

charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas 

fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in 

communities.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $300 

million

$400 

million

$500 

million

$600 

million

$700 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent. TTP funds may be used to meet matching 

or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Acquisition and installation of publicly 

accessible charging or fueling infrastructure, or traffic control devices. 

For newly-installed infrastructure, the law allows use of funds to provide 

operating assistance for the first 5 years after installation.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ DOT is required to update and redesignate alternative fuel corridors and 

establish a recurring process to regularly update and redesignate such 

corridors. 

◊ The law reserves 50 percent of the amounts made available each FY 

for Community Grants that are expected to reduce greenhouse gas 

emissions and to expand or fill gaps in access to publicly accessible 

charging and fueling infrastructure including development phase activities 

and acquisition and installation of infrastructure.

◊ DOT and FHWA are working expeditiously to stand up this program. 

NOFOs, Fact Sheets and Guidance will be populated on the FHWA BIL 

website as it becomes available. 

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure NEW!
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

21

• Purpose: Achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious 

injuries on all public roads, including non-State-owned roads and roads on 

tribal land.

• Funding: Of note, the funding for the Highway Safety Improvement 

Program is provided to State DOTs per statute. Please reach out to your 

respective State DOT for specifics on their HSIP funding opportunities. 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $2.980 

billion

$3.044 

billion

$3.110 

billion

$3.177 

billion

$3.246 

billion

• Program Type: Formula. 

• Eligible projects/activities: 

◊ HSIP Eligibility Guidance: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/rulemaking/

docs/BIL_HSIP_Eligibility_Guidance.pdf

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

◊ Program webpage: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/

Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)

Bell School South Bridge 

replacement project completed. 

Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma
22

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: INFRA (known statutorily as Nationally Significant Multimodal 

Freight & Highway Projects) awards competitive grants for multimodal 

freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve 

the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people 

in and across rural and urban areas.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $1.64 

billion

$1.64 

billion

$1.64 

billion

$1.54 

billion

$1.54 

billion

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent, with flexibility based on various project 

specifications. See NOFO for further details. TTP funds may be used to 

meet matching or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Projects that improve safety, generate 

economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency, and hold the 

greatest promise to eliminate freight bottlenecks and improve critical 

freight movements.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ Program website: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/infragrants-program

◊ NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.

html?oppId=338854

Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) 

(Nationally Significant Freight and Highway 

Projects)

Fort Yukon Ivar’s Bridge Replacement completed.

Fort Yukon, Alaska.
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

23

• Purpose: Capital investments in surface transportation that will have a 

significant local or regional impact.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $2.275 

billion

$1.5 

billion

$1.5 

billion

$1.5 

billion

$1.5 

billion

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent, with flexibility for higher shares based on 

various project specifications. Further information to follow. TTP funds may 

be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Includes, but is not limited to, capital projects 

to highway, bridge, or other road projects eligible under title 23, intermodal 

projects; a project to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater 

runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species while 

advancing the goals of the existing Rebuilding American Infrastructure with 

Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program and projects investing in surface 

transportation facilities that are located on Tribal land and for which title 

or maintenance responsibility is vested in the Federal Government; and 

any other surface transportation infrastructure project that the Secretary 

considers to be necessary to advance the goals of the program). Planning 

projects which include: planning, preparation, or design of eligible surface 

transportation capital projects. Further information available in the NOFO.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ The Local and Regional Project Assistance program codifies the RAISE 

program, which was previously established through appropriations acts 

and was formerly known as TIGER and BUILD.

◊ Program website: https://www.transportation.gov/RAISEgrants/about

◊ NOFO link if available: Current round closed on April 14 and award 

announcements for FY22 no later than August 12, 2022.

Local and Regional Project Assistance Program 

(RAISE)
24

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: Fund projects that would improve or restore passage for 

anadromous fish.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $200 

million

$200 

million

$200 

million

$200 

million

$200 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent.

• Eligible projects/activities: Repair or remove culverts to ease passage for 

endangered and threatened fish.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ DOT and FHWA are working expeditiously to stand up this program. 

NOFOs, Fact Sheets and Guidance will be populated on the FHWA BIL 

website as it becomes available.

National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and 

Restoration Grants 

NEW!

Yukon River. Alaska.
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

25

• Purpose: Provide funding through single-year or multiyear grant 

agreements for eligible surface transportation projects that support 

multijurisdictional or regional projects of significance that may also cut 

across multiple modes of transportation.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $1 billion $1 billion $1 billion $1 billion $1 billion

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent, with flexibility based on various project 

specifications. See NOFO for further details. TTP funds may be used to 

meet matching or cost participation requirements. 

• Eligible projects/activities: Highway and bridge projects on the National 

Multimodal Freight Network, the National Highway Freight Network, or 

the National Highway System are eligible for the program. Other eligible 

projects are freight intermodal or freight rail projects that provide a public 

benefit, railway-highway grade separation or elimination projects, intercity 

passenger rail projects, and certain public transportation projects.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ Half of the funding is set aside for projects with costs of $500 million of 

more, and the other half is reserved for projects with costs of more than 

$100 million but less than $500 million.

◊ Program website: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/megagrant-program

◊ NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.

html?oppId=338855

National Infrastructure Project Assistance 

"Mega-projects" 

NEW!
26

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

Whitshed road bridge.

Cordova, Alaska.

• Purpose: Fund improvements, such as byway facilities, safety 

improvements, and interpretive information, along roads in the United 

States that merit recognition at the national level for their outstanding 

scenic, historic, cultural, natural recreational and archeological qualities.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 2022

Amount $22 million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent, with flexibility for higher shares based on 

various project specifications. Further information in the NOFO below. TTP 

funds may be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: 

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

◊ Program website: America's Byways (dot.gov)

◊ NOFO link: (closes June 20) https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/viewopportunity.html?oppId=338707

National Scenic Byways
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

27

Green Beret Bridge Replacement.

Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

Big Horn County, Montana.

• Purpose: Provide an opportunity to address significant challenges across 

the nation for transportation facilities that serve Federal and Tribal lands.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $130 

million

$55 

million

$55 

million

$55 

million

$55 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 100 percent. TTP funds may be used to meet 

matching or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Construction, reconstruction, and 

rehabilitation of nationally-significant projects that have an estimated 

construction cost of at least $12.5 million, and within, adjacent to, or 

accessing Federal and Tribal lands.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

◊ Program website: https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/programs/ 

◊ Requires 50/50 split between Tribal and Federal lands projects under BIL.

◊ Construction projects with an estimated cost equal to and exceeding $50 

million receive priority consideration in the selection process.

◊ BIL established a Federal share for Tribal projects of 100 percent.

◊ BIL reduced the minimum eligible project cost from $25 million to $12.5 

million.

Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal 

Projects Program (NSFLTP)
28

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

• Purpose: To support resilience improvements, including planning, 

improvements, community resilience, and evacuation routes, and at-risk 

coastal infrastructure.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $500 

million

$250 

million

$300 

million

$300 

million

$300 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. Eligible entities must apply to DOT for grants.

• Federal Share: up to 80 percent, with flexibility for higher shares based on 

various project specifications. Further information to follow. TTP funds may 

be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Projects may include the use of natural 

infrastructure or the construction or modification of storm surge, flood 

protection, or aquatic ecosystem restoration elements that are functionally 

connected to a transportation improvement. Resilience planning activities, 

including resilience improvement plans, evacuation planning and 

preparation, and capacity-building, construction activities (oriented toward 

resilience), construction of (or improvement to) evacuation routes.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ DOT and FHWA are working expeditiously to stand up this program. 

NOFOs, Fact Sheets and Guidance will be populated on the FHWA BIL 

website as it becomes available. 

Promoting Resilient Operations for 

Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving 

Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grants 

NEW!
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

29

Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Cheyenne River Bridge Replacement Project.

Custer County, South Dakota. 

• Purpose: Restore community connectivity by removing, retrofitting, or 

mitigating highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to 

community connectivity.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Planning $50 

million

$50 

million

$50 

million

$50 

million

$50 

million

Capital 

Construction

$145 

million

$148 

million

$150 

million

$152 

million

$155 

million

Total $195 

million

$198 

million

$200 

million

$202 

million

$205 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent. TTP funds may be used to meet matching 

or cost participation requirements. 

• Eligible projects/activities: 

The program makes available two types of grants:

◊ Planning grants of up to $2 million.

◊ o Capital construction grants of $5 million or greater.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ Owners of eligible facilities are eligible to apply for these grants, and they 

may partner with any entity eligible for a planning grant. Such projects 

could include the removal and replacement of an eligible facility.

◊ Program website: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/

reconnecting-communities 

Reconnecting Communities Pilot NEW!
30

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

Green Beret Bridge Replacement.

Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

Big Horn County, Montana.

• Purpose: To reduce truck idling and emissions at ports, including through 

the advancement of port electrification.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $80 

million

$80 

million

$80 

million

$80 

million

$80 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: 80 percent. TTP funds may be used to meet matching or 

cost participation requirements. 

• Eligible projects/activities: The program includes competitive grants to 

test, evaluate, and deploy projects that reduce port-related emissions.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ BIL does not specify which entities would be eligible to apply. 

◊ Study: The program also includes a study to address how ports and 

intermodal port transfer facilities would benefit from increased 

opportunities to reduce emissions at ports, and how emerging 

technologies and strategies can contribute.

◊ DOT and FHWA are working expeditiously to stand up this program. 

NOFOs, Fact Sheets and Guidance will be populated on the FHWA BIL 

website as it becomes available. 

Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities NEW!
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

31

• Purpose: Improve and expand surface transportation infrastructure in 

rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the 

movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth 

and improve the quality of life.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $300 

million

$350 

million

$400 

million

$450 

million

$500 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: 80 percent, with flexibility for higher shares based on 

various project specifications. See NOFO for further details. TTP funds may 

be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities:

◊ Highway, bridge or tunnel projects eligible under National Highway 

Performance Program (NHPP), Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) 

Program, or the Tribal Transportation Program;

◊ Highway freight projects eligible under the National Highway Freight 

Program;

◊ Highway safety improvement projects; and

◊ Highway and bridge projects that improve access and support the rural 

economy, among others.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ The BIL defines a “rural area” as “an area that is outside an urbanized area 

with a population of over 200,000.”

◊ Maximum grant amount is $25 million.

◊ Program website: https://www.transportation.gov/grants/ruralsurface-transportation-grant

◊ NOFO: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.

html?oppId=338856

Rural Surface Transportation Grants NEW!
32

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

Traffic Calming Ahead sign.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Scottsdale, Arizona.

• Purpose: Support local initiatives to prevent transportation-related deaths 

and serious injuries.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $1 billion $1 billion $1 billion $1 billion $1 billion

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent.

• Eligible projects/activities: Grant funding may be used for planning 

grants to develop comprehensive safety action plans, and 40 percent of the 

funding is set aside for this use each fiscal year. Funding may also be used 

for planning, design, and development activities for infrastructure projects 

and other strategies identified in such action plans.

• Additional Information and Assistance

◊ Program website: https://www.transportation.gov/SS4A

Safe Streets and Roads for All NEW!
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

33

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Sidewalks. 

Scottsdale, Arizona.

• Purpose: Conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart city 

or community technologies and systems in a variety of communities to 

improve transportation efficiency and safety.

• Funding: $500 million 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $100 

million

$100 

million

$100 

million

$100 

million

$100 

million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Eligible projects/activities: May be used to carry out a project that 

demonstrate at least one of the following: coordinate automation, 

connected vehicles, intelligent sensor-based infrastructure, system 

integration, commerce delivery and logistics, leveraging use of innovative 

aviation technology, smart grid, and smart technology traffic signals.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ DOT is working expeditiously to stand up this program. NOFO is expected 

in the second or third quarter of 2022. https://www.whitehouse.gov/

wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BUILDING-A-BETTER-AMERICA_FINAL.

pdf#page=81

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing 

Transportation (SMART) Program
34

Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

CMGC Project.

Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico.

• Purpose: Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant

(STBG) Program to provide funding for a variety of generally smaller-scale 

transportation projects.

• Funding: Of note, the funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program 

is provided to State DOTs per statute. Please reach out to your respective 

State DOT for specifics on their TA funding opportunities. 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $1.384 

billion

$1.411 

billion

$1.439 

billion

$1.468 

billion

$1.498 

billion

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent, with flexibility for higher shares. See 

Fact Sheet link below. TTP funds may be used to meet matching or cost 

participation requirements.

• Eligible activities: Pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of 

turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such 

as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental 

mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational 

trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety 

assessments.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ No Benefit Cost Analysis Requirement.

◊ Funding for this program is provided to State DOTs per statute. 

Please reach out to your respective State DOT for specifics on funding 

opportunities.

◊ Program website: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/

transportation_alternatives/

◊ Fact Sheet: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructure-law/

ta.cfm

Transportation Alternatives
Highway Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nations

35

Cabezon Road Grading and Drainage Improvements, 

installation of cattleguard underpass.

Pueblo of Zia, New Mexico.

• Purpose: Fund projects that seek to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle 

collisions and improve habitat connectivity.

• Funding: 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Amount $60 million $65 million $70 million $75 million $80 million

• Program Type: Competitive. 

• Federal Share: Up to 80 percent. TTP funds may be used to meet matching 

or cost participation requirements.

• Eligible projects/activities: Projects likely to protect motorists and wildlife 

by reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat 

connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.

• Additional Information and Assistance 

◊ DOT and FHWA are working expeditiously to stand up this program. 

NOFOs, Fact Sheets and Guidance will be populated on the FHWA BIL 

website as it becomes available. 

◊ Not less than 60 percent of grant funds each fiscal year are reserved for 

projects in rural areas.

Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program NEW!
Office of Tribal Transportation

North Valley Creek Bridge 

Replacement.

Flathead Indian Reservation 

Arlee, Montana.