The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $5 million in Fiscal Year 2019 competitive grant funding to support transit services for Native American tribes and Alaska Native villagers in rural areas.

FTA’s Tribal Transit Program is authorized by Congress to support public transportation for Native American tribes to provide access to jobs, schools, and health care, as well as to meet the needs of elders, people with disabilities, and youth in rural areas where transit is sparse.

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. Examples include increased ridership and daily trips, improved service, elimination of gaps in service, improved operations and coordination, and increased reliability. The application period will close on July 9.

In FY 2018, FTA awarded Tribal Transit funds to 36 competitively selected projects in 14 states.