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Tribal Transportation Equity and Transparency Improvement Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 4:59 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4093
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a Tribal Transportation Advisory Committee, which would provide input and recommendations to the Department of Transportation on transportation projects in tribal communities. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to report annually to Congress on the status of transportation projects in tribal communities, including information on funding allocations and project timelines.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve the safety of transportation infrastructure in tribal communities, such as requiring the Department of Transportation to prioritize projects that address safety concerns on tribal lands. The bill also aims to increase access to transportation resources for tribal communities by providing funding for transportation planning and workforce development programs. Overall, the Tribal Transportation Equity and Transparency Improvement Act of 2021 seeks to address longstanding transportation infrastructure challenges in tribal communities and improve the transparency and equity of transportation funding for tribes.
Congressional Summary of HR 4093
Tribal Transportation Equity and Transparency Improvement Act of 2021
This bill revises certain programs related to tribal transportation.
First, the bill revises the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) by directing the Department of the Interior to (1) request proposals from Indian tribes to include additional transportation facilities in the National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory, and (2) ensure that all nonconfidential information from the inventory is made available on its website.
Next, the bill specifies that funding allocations (i.e., tribal shares) under the TTP must be determined using the facility inventory for the most recent fiscal year for which data is available instead of using FY2012 data. It also requires each Indian tribe that intends to include a proposed road in the inventory to complete and submit certain documentation for the road.
It also requires independent audits by the inspectors general of Interior and the Department of Transportation, as well as the Government Accountability Office, to review the administration of the TTP.
Additionally, the bill permits Indian tribes to use funds for carrying out highway safety programs in cooperation with states, counties, and other local subdivisions.
It also increases the federal share for Indian tribes under the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program and allows Indian tribes to use planning and design funds for grant applications under the program.
Finally, the bill establishes the Tribal Transportation Advisory Committee, which must provide advice to Interior and study issues related to tribal transportation.
