2025 Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund

The U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Tribal Transportation, administers the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF). This program is authorized under Title 23, United States Code, section 202(e), and is designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries in tribal areas. The program sets aside up to four percent of Tribal Transportation Program funds each fiscal year for competitive distribution to federally recognized Indian Tribes. Since its creation under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, TTPSF has provided more than $79 million to support over 760 projects, ranging from safety plans to infrastructure improvements. The purpose of TTPSF is to support projects that address hazardous road conditions and highway safety issues on tribal lands. Eligible projects must be identified through a data-driven process and align with a transportation safety plan. Projects can include systemic roadway departure countermeasures, infrastructure improvements, safety data assessments, and the development of transportation safety plans. Safety planning is central to the program, helping tribes identify risk factors contributing to traffic injuries and fatalities, and design strategies to reduce risks. Projects are also evaluated for how well they align with broader transportation safety goals, including the National Roadway Safety Strategy’s vision of zero highway deaths. Funding for TTPSF ranges annually from approximately $23.1 million in fiscal year 2022 to $25.1 million in fiscal year 2026, subject to appropriations. The maximum available funding is allocated annually, and unspent funds are returned to the pool for the following year. Awards are distributed through existing Tribal Transportation Program contracting mechanisms with either the Bureau of Indian Affairs or FHWA. No cost share or matching requirement is mandated, though leveraging additional funds from other sources may improve the competitiveness of an application. An indirect cost rate of up to three percent may be applied when funds are passed through to subcontractors. Applications are limited to federally recognized Indian Tribes listed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as eligible entities. While other organizations may partner with Tribes, only Tribes may submit as primary applicants. Tribes may submit more than one application, but each must propose a separate project. Prior recipients remain eligible but must demonstrate their ability to meet timelines, budgets, and outcomes from past awards. Awards are subject to compliance with all applicable federal regulations, including civil rights, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, Buy America provisions, and national environmental policy requirements. The program operates on an annual competition cycle, with applications typically accepted beginning October 1 and due by January 15 of the following year. For fiscal year 2026, applications must be submitted electronically by January 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. For fiscal year 2025, applications were originally due January 15, 2025, but applicants who submitted by that deadline may amend their applications in response to the amended notice until September 16, 2025. No new applications are being accepted for fiscal year 2025. Applications must include standard federal forms, a project narrative where required, data supporting project needs, and cost estimates. Supporting documentation such as transportation safety plans, safety studies, and crash data is strongly encouraged. Applications are evaluated according to criteria specific to each project category. These include whether the project aligns with a current safety plan, the quality of safety data provided, expected reductions in crash risk, ownership of the facility to be improved, and whether the applicant has demonstrated the ability to deliver previous projects. Projects are rated as Highly Qualified, Qualified, or Not Qualified. Priority is given first to Highly Qualified applications, then to Qualified applications that leverage other funds or demonstrate readiness. Final selections are made by the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, considering departmental priorities such as equity, climate resilience, and rural safety. Applicants may seek assistance through TTPSF’s program website, which offers safety planning resources, a crash reporting toolkit, and FAQs. Webinars are held periodically to provide additional guidance, though attendance is not required. For more information about program requirements or the application process, applicants may contact Adam Larsen, TTPSF Program Manager, at TTPSF@dot.gov or 360-619-2601 during office hours. For legal questions, applicants may contact Michelle Andotra at Michelle.Andotra@dot.gov or 404-562-3679. Successful projects are publicly announced on FHWA’s website, and unsuccessful applicants may request feedback within 90 days of award announcements.