Public Transportation on Indian Reservations

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Section 5311(j) of MAP-21, Public Law 112-41 (July 6, 2012), authorizes the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)) for Fiscal Years (FY) 2013-2014. The 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 Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program, 49 U.S.C. 5311. The modified Tribal Transit Program continues to be a set-aside from the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program but now consists of a $25 million formula program and a $5 million discretionary grant program subject to the availability of appropriations. Formula factors include vehicle revenue miles and the number of low-income individuals residing on tribal lands. Discretionary funds are available annually on a competitive basis. TTP funds are to be allocated for grants to Federally-recognized Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under the Section 5311 program. 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.

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