WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced the availability of $10 million in Fiscal Year 2021 competitive grant funding to support transit services for American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages in rural areas. 

"We must ensure that the U.S. government is a true partner to Tribal Nations," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "Supporting reliable and affordable public transit on Tribal lands is one important step in building the transportation infrastructure that our Tribal Nations need and deserve."

FTA's Tribal Transit Program is authorized by Congress to support public transportation for federally recognized Indian Tribes and Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities. The funding helps Tribes to meet the needs of Tribal citizens, including older adults, people with disabilities, and youth in rural areas.

In support of the President's January 20, 2021, Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis, FTA will prioritize projects that will help improve air quality and further environmental justice.

"For people who live on Tribal lands, access to reliable, affordable public transportation is vital – transit helps tribal communities respond to climate change challenges," said FTA Deputy Administrator Nuria I. Fernandez. "This funding opportunity will assist Tribal governments by improving mobility for their residents who rely on public transportation to access jobs, health care and other important services."

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity, including how the project will improve the quality of life for the tribe and surrounding communities.  The application period will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Wednesday, August 25.

Funding for this opportunity is available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, ($5 million) and through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ($5 million).

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