- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Economic Development
The Department of Transportation awarded $54.2 million to rural communities and tribal nations for early-stage transportation projects, as demand for the funding far outpaced supply, with nearly $790 million in applications.
The Build America Bureau said it received 799 applications for the funding, which requires no local match and was awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Of the total, $20 million was reserved for tribal applicants.
Eighteen tribal governments received awards in this round, supporting planning, design, engineering and environmental review needed to move projects toward construction.
Examples include the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, which secured $2.49 million for design and engineering of a pedestrian bridge over Highway 101 near the Lucky 7 Casino. The Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa received $1.25 million to plan an overpass reconnecting the Meskwaki Settlement.
The Chippewa Cree Tribe was awarded $741,000 for design and engineering tied to the Rocky Boy Agency Street Rehabilitation Project. The Crow Tribe received $1.96 million to plan a new primary transportation facility and satellite maintenance sites across the reservation.
Other awards support roadway rehabilitation, safety improvements and access upgrades tied to housing and economic development.
DOT officials said the program is designed to help communities fund early project stages and prepare for construction and future federal funding.
