1 SAFETEA-LU Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users Office of Program Management Tribal Transit Outreach Meetings April 2006

2 SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization of Highway and Transit Programs – FY Expanded funding for Non-urbanized Area Formula (Section 5311) program New Tribal Transit Program within the Non-urbanized Area formula program Opportunities under other FTA programs

3 Section 5311 – Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program Funding increases from $251 million in FY 2005 to $537 million in FY 2009 Formula apportionment to States - tribes eligible Tribes now eligible direct recipients Rural Transit Assistance Program (2%) New Tribal Transit Program – takedown from 5311

4 Tribal Transit Program “shall be apportioned for grants to Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under this section” (Section 5311) –Capital and operating assistance for rural public transit service –Acquisition of public transportation services, including service agreements with private providers of public transportation services

5 Tribal Transit Program Annual set aside from Section 5311 –FY $8 Million –FY $10 Million –FY $12 Million –FY $15 Million

6 Funding Availability 3 years = year apportioned + 2 years Law doesn’t specify formula for apportioning funds Grants can’t be made until process is established (in consultation with tribes) Developing grant program provisions for the life of the program FY

7 Other FTA Programs of Interest to Tribes Non-urbanized (Rural) Formula Program (Section 5311) –Apportioned to the States for rural transit –Congressional intent that tribal program not replace or reduce funds tribes receive from States –States can use (or pass down) 15% of their total allocation for planning, technical assistance, and administration –Tribes can now apply to FTA directly for grant for funds allocated to tribe by State.

8 Other FTA Programs of Interest to Tribes Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) –Technical assistance, training, research, and support projects for rural transit –2% of 5311 appropriation 85% allocated to states for TA and training 15% for National Activities

9 Other FTA Programs of Interest to Tribes Bus and Bus Facilities (Section 5309) –Discretionary Program Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) –For Private Non-Profit agencies (mostly) –Capital assistance only Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC –Section 5316) –Transportation services to help low income individuals reach jobs and support services –Reverse commute – to suburban job locations New Freedom (Section 5317) –Beyond ADA – for Individuals with Disabilities –New services and public transportation alternatives beyond ADA