The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it is advancing transportation projects in underserved communities across the United States by awarding 13 grants totaling $3.4 million through the new Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (RTA).

Administered by the Build America Bureau, the RTA grant program supports early-stage development of transportation solutions in rural and Tribal communities with grants funding technical, legal, and financial assistance. The Bureau received 406 applications requesting more than $127 million in funding. Of those, 70 applications totaling $19 million were submitted from Tribal applicants. 

"The number of applications received, and the amount of funding requested demonstrates the need for funding communities that have historically been left out of federal investment opportunities,” said Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This is great progress in our mission to help our rural and Tribal partners realize their visions for safer and more efficient transportation options.” 

Selected Awardees

The selected awardees are: 

“The Bureau is excited to work with these new partners to jump-start local projects and better position them to compete for DOT grants and explore innovative funding, financing, and delivery solutions,” said Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian. “The response to this funding opportunity was astounding and has highlighted how impactful the Program will be for our rural and Tribal communities. This is just the beginning.”

The Bureau used a streamlined application form and reviewed applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

This approach reduced the burden on applicants new to or inexperienced with the Federal grant process and the numerous forms traditionally required for Federal grants.

As part of the Administration’s commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Home Lands, the Transportation Secretary set a goal to increase engagement with Tribes on a government-to-government basis that respects the principles of Tribal self-governance.

To ensure equitable opportunity for Tribal governments to access the RTA grants, the Bureau reserved up to $1.6 million for Tribal applicants under this solicitation.