The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the opportunity to apply for $5 million in fiscal year 2018 competitive grant funding to support transit for Native American tribes and Alaska Native villagers in rural areas.

FTA’s Tribal Transit Program supports public transportation for Native American tribes by providing access to jobs, schools, and health care, as well as meeting the needs of elders, people with disabilities, and youth in rural areas where transit is sparse or non-existent.

“For many tribal residents, public transportation provides a link to critical life services,” said FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams. “We’re eager to continue to improve the quality of life in some of our most remote rural communities by providing safe and efficient transit service.”

Applications for the program must describe how the project will improve the quality of life for the tribe and surrounding communities, such as increased ridership and daily trips, improved service, elimination of gaps in service, improved operations and coordination, and increased reliability. In fiscal year 2017, FTA awarded Tribal Transit funds to 36 competitively selected projects in 19 states.

The FY2018 Notice of Funding Opportunity solicits proposals for projects and includes the eligibility requirements and criteria FTA will use in its competitive selection process.