Indian Highway Safety Law Enforcment Grant

The Indian Highway Safety Law Enforcement Grant is a discretionary funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Justice Services (OJS), Indian Highway Safety Program (IHSP). This program is authorized under the Highway Safety Act of 1966 (23 U.S.C. §402) and is designed to support federally recognized Tribal governments in implementing targeted traffic safety initiatives. The overarching objective is to reduce traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and property damage occurring within Tribal lands by supporting data-driven and performance-based law enforcement strategies. The program funds traffic enforcement projects with clearly defined, measurable goals and strategies that directly address identified traffic safety issues. Tribes may apply for grants to support activities such as DUI enforcement, speed enforcement, checkpoint operations, training and certification programs for officers, acquisition of traffic enforcement equipment (e.g., Radar/Lidar devices), and the hiring or support of Highway Safety Specialists. Training and travel related to traffic enforcement objectives are eligible, provided they are directly tied to performance measures and validated through relevant traffic data. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, requiring Tribes to expend their own funds upfront and submit documentation monthly for reimbursement. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized Native American Tribal governments. Tribes must demonstrate a traffic safety problem using verifiable data from the most recent fiscal year, submit performance targets based on prior year metrics, and align all requested resources with their proposed strategies. Required documents include a completed application, a tribal resolution (draft or final), and the Tribe’s current approved Indirect Cost Rate agreement. The program prohibits reimbursement for non-traffic safety-related activities or general-use equipment and mandates that indirect costs are not reimbursable for equipment purchases. Applications are due annually by May 1 for funding in the subsequent federal fiscal year (October 1–September 30). For FY2026 funding, applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The program anticipates issuing up to 30 awards, with funding amounts ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000 per award. Awards are contingent upon the Tribe’s capacity to demonstrate need, present a coherent and measurable strategy, and comply with the IHSP’s financial and programmatic reporting requirements. Evaluation is based on the clarity of the problem statement, justification through data, appropriateness of targets and strategies, and overall alignment with program goals. The grant process involves submission of a detailed application that includes sections on traffic data, enforcement history, crash statistics, proposed strategies, budget, and performance goals. Tribes are also required to report regularly on progress and financial usage, using IHSP’s prescribed formats. Monthly reports and reimbursement requests are mandatory, and failure to provide adequate documentation may result in delays or loss of funding. For additional information or technical support, applicants may contact Kimberly Belone, Program Analyst and Coordinator, at (505) 563-3900 or via email at [email protected]. Full applications, along with all supporting documentation, may be emailed to the same address or mailed to the BIA IHSP office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Grant writing training is available upon request to help Tribes prepare strong applications. Given the program’s annual cycle, prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early and to review previous performance and crash data thoroughly.

Ensure all fields are completed; submit verifiable data; focus on measurable outcomes; indirect costs not reimbursed for equipment.