2026 Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund

The Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF), administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), provides competitive grant funding to federally recognized Indian Tribes to improve transportation safety on tribal lands. Established under 23 U.S.C. § 202(e), the TTPSF is part of the broader Tribal Transportation Program (TTP), and supports efforts aligned with national safety goals, such as the vision of zero roadway fatalities championed by the National Roadway Safety Strategy. The program distributes funding annually, with anticipated totals of up to $25.1 million in FY 2026, to support data-driven projects that reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths. TTPSF grants are available for a range of project types, grouped into four main categories: (1) development or updating of transportation safety plans, (2) data assessment and improvement activities, (3) systemic roadway departure countermeasures, and (4) infrastructure improvements and other activities as specified in 23 U.S.C. § 148(a)(4). Eligible projects must be consistent with a transportation safety plan and address a hazardous road condition or highway safety issue. Priority is given to projects that incorporate proven safety strategies, include data analysis, and demonstrate strategic planning. Projects targeting roadway departures, such as signage or rumble strips, and safety improvements for pedestrians, intersections, or rural roads, are particularly encouraged. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, although applications that demonstrate leveraged funding may receive additional consideration when demand exceeds available funds. Tribes may submit multiple applications, though only one project can be included per submission. Each application must include an application form, project narrative (except for safety plans), cost breakdown, and supporting safety data. For facilities not owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or a Tribe, a letter of support from the owner is required. Applications must be submitted electronically via the FHWA Office of Tribal Transportation website. Applications for the FY 2026 funding cycle will be accepted from October 1, 2025, and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 15, 2026. The TTPSF review process rates projects as Highly Qualified, Qualified, or Not Qualified based on strategic planning alignment, data support, facility ownership, expected crash reduction, and prior funding history. Only those deemed responsive to eligibility and submission requirements will be evaluated. Applicants can expect awards to be announced following review, with funds distributed via the Tribe’s existing agreements with FHWA or BIA. All awarded projects must be under contract within three fiscal years or risk forfeiting the funds. Unused funds must be returned to FHWA. The TTPSF program emphasizes ADA compliance, use of Safe System approaches, and resilience against physical and cyber threats in planning and implementation. Applicants seeking guidance or clarification may contact Adam Larsen, TTPSF Program Manager, at TTPSF@DOT.GOV or 360-619-2601. For legal inquiries, Michelle Andotra of the FHWA Office of the Chief Counsel may be reached at Michelle.Andotra@dot.gov or 404-562-3679.