The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of nearly $8.9 million to support American Indian Tribes across the country and Alaska Native villages.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law by President Biden in November 2021, increased competitive funding for the Tribal Transit Program by nearly 83% per year for five years. This is the second consecutive year of increased funding for the program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to the FTA's news release.

“We are investing in transit serving Indian Lands and Alaskan Native villages, which means that Tribal communities will be better connected to schools, jobs, food, health care, and other essentials,” said Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation secretary.

Tribal Transit systems transport Americans more than 13 million vehicle miles each year.

In FY 2022, FTA awarded funds to 25 American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native communities to help them meet the needs of their citizens, including elders, people with disabilities, and youth in Indian Country.

Last year, the Coeur D’Alene Tribe in Northern Idaho received funding from this program to buy new vehicles.

“Last year, I was pleased to meet with representatives from the Nez Perce and Coeur D’Alene Tribes to hear about the significance of this support for their transit systems,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. “The stories they told echo across our nation. Everyone in our country wants an easier trip to the store, a quicker ride to work, or a more comfortable way to go visit their elders. Thanks to President Biden and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re going to provide better journeys to more people on Tribal lands.”