Collapse to view only § 170.116 - Can a Tribe close a cultural site or area entry road?
Consultation, Collaboration, Coordination
- SECTION § 170.100 - What do the terms “consultation,” “collaboration,” and “coordination” mean?
- SECTION § 170.101 - What is the TTP consultation and coordination policy?
- SECTION § 170.102 - What goals and principles guide program implementation?
- SECTION § 170.103 - Is consultation with Tribal governments required before obligating TTP funds for direct service activities?
- SECTION § 170.104 - Are funds available for consultation, collaboration, and coordination activities?
- SECTION § 170.105 - When must State governments consult with Tribes?
- SECTION § 170.106 - Should planning organizations and local governments consult with Tribes when planning for transportation projects?
- SECTION § 170.107 - Should Tribes and BIA consult with planning organizations and local governments in developing projects?
- SECTION § 170.108 - How do the Secretaries prevent discrimination or adverse impacts?
- SECTION § 170.109 - How can State and local governments prevent discrimination or adverse impacts?
- SECTION § 170.110 - What if discrimination or adverse impacts occur?
Eligible Uses of TTP Funds
Use of TTP and Cultural Site or Area Entry Roads
Seasonal Transportation Routes
TTP Housing Site or Area Entry Roads
Toll, Ferry, and Airport Facilities
Recreation, Tourism, and Trails
- SECTION § 170.123 - Can a Tribe use Federal funds for its recreation, tourism, and trails program?
- SECTION § 170.124 - How can a Tribe obtain funds?
- SECTION § 170.125 - What types of activities can a recreation, tourism, and trails program include?
- SECTION § 170.126 - Can roads be built in roadless and wild areas?
TTP Safety
Transit Facilities
- SECTION § 170.131 - How do Tribes identify transit needs?
- SECTION § 170.132 - What Federal funds are available for a Tribe's transit program?
- SECTION § 170.133 - May a Tribe or BIA use TTP funds as matching funds?
- SECTION § 170.134 - What transit facilities and activities are eligible for TTP funding?
TTP Coordinating Committee
Tribal Technical Assistance Centers
- APPENDIX Appendix A - Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 170—Allowable Uses of TTP funds
- APPENDIX Appendix B - Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 170—Sources of Tribal Transportation Training and Education Opportunities
Consultation, Collaboration, Coordination
§ 170.100 - What do the terms “consultation,” “collaboration,” and “coordination” mean?
(a) Consultation means government-to-government communication, carried out in accordance with applicable Executive Orders, in a timely manner by all parties about a proposed or contemplated decision. The Departments' Consultation Policies and Plans can be found at http://www.indianaffairs.gov/WhoWeAre/AS-IA/Consultation/Templates/index.htm (DOI) or http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tribal/news/consultation.htm (DOT)
(b) Collaboration means that all parties involved in carrying out planning and project development work together in a timely manner to achieve a common goal or objective.
(c) Coordination means that each party:
(1) Shares and compares in a timely manner its transportation plans, programs, projects, and schedules with the related plans, programs, projects, and schedules of the other parties; and
(2) Adjusts its plans, programs, projects, and schedules to optimize the efficient and consistent delivery of transportation projects and services.
§ 170.101 - What is the TTP consultation and coordination policy?
(a) The TTP's government-to-government consultation and coordination policy is to foster and improve communication, cooperation, and coordination among Tribal, Federal, State, and local governments and other transportation organizations when undertaking the following, similar, or related activities:
(1) Identifying data-driven safety needs for improving both vehicle and pedestrian safety;
(2) Developing State, metropolitan, regional, TTP, and TTIPs that impact Tribal lands, communities, and members;
(3) Developing short and long-range transportation plans;
(4) Developing TTP transportation projects;
(5) Developing environmental mitigation measures necessary to protect and/or enhance Tribal lands and the environment, and counteract the impacts of the projects;
(6) Developing plans or projects to carry out the Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program identified in 23 U.S.C. 202(d);
(7) Developing plans or projects for disaster and emergency relief response and the repair of eligible damaged TTP transportation facilities;
(8) Assisting in the development of State and Tribal agreements related to the TTP;
(9) Developing and improving transit systems serving Tribal lands and communities;
(10) Assisting in the submission of discretionary grant applications for State and Federal funding for TTP transportation facilities; and
(11) Developing plans and projects for the safety funding identified in 23 U.S.C. 202(e).
(b) Tribal, State and Federal Government agencies may enter into intergovernmental Memoranda of Agreement to streamline and facilitate consultation, collaboration, and coordination.
(c) DOI and DOT operate within a government-to-government relationship with Tribes. As a critical element of this relationship, these agencies assess the impact of Federal transportation policies, plans, projects, and programs on Tribal rights and interests to ensure that these rights and concerns are appropriately considered.
§ 170.102 - What goals and principles guide program implementation?
When undertaking transportation activities affecting Tribes, the Secretaries should, to the maximum extent permitted by law:
(a) Establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with affected Tribal governments, including facilitating the direct involvement of Tribal governments in short- and long-range Federal transportation planning efforts;
(b) Promote the rights of Tribal governments to govern their own internal affairs;
(c) Promote the rights of Tribal governments to receive direct transportation services from the Federal Government or to enter into agreements to directly operate any Tribally related transportation programs serving Tribal members;
(d) Ensure the continuation of the trust responsibility of the United States to Tribes and Indian individuals;
(e) Reduce the imposition of unfunded mandates upon Tribal governments;
(f) Encourage flexibility, innovation and implementation of contracting mechanisms used for delivery of the TTP to the greatest extent authorized by Congress by providing the protections afforded by the ISDEAA to Tribes carrying out eligible activities of the TTP;
(g) Reduce, streamline, and eliminate unnecessarily restrictive transportation policies, guidelines, or procedures;
(h) Ensure that Tribal rights and interests are appropriately considered during program development;
(i) Ensure that the TTP is implemented consistent with Tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship; and
(j) Consult with, and solicit the participation of, Tribes in the development of the annual BIA budget proposals.
§ 170.103 - Is consultation with Tribal governments required before obligating TTP funds for direct service activities?
Yes. Consultation with Tribal governments is required before obligating TTP funds for direct service activities. Before obligating TTP funds on any project for direct service activities, the Secretary must:
(a) Consult with the affected Tribe to determine Tribal preferences concerning the program, project, or activity; and
(b) Provide information under § 170.600 within 30 days of the notice of availability of funds.
§ 170.104 - Are funds available for consultation, collaboration, and coordination activities?
Yes. Funds are available for consultation, collaboration, and coordination activities. To fund consultation, collaboration, and coordination of TTP activities, Tribes may use:
(a) The Tribes' TTP allocations;
(b) Tribal Priority Allocation funds;
(c) Administration for Native Americans funds;
(d) Economic Development Administration funds;
(e) United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development funds;
(f) Community Development Block Grant funds;
(g) Indian Housing Block Grant funds;
(h) Indian Health Service Tribal Management Grant funds;
(i) General funds of the Tribal government; and
(j) Any other funds available for the purpose of consultation, collaboration, and coordination activities.
§ 170.105 - When must State governments consult with Tribes?
As identified in 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135, States will develop their STIP in consultation with Tribes in the area where the project is located. This includes providing for a process that coordinates transportation planning efforts carried out by the State with similar efforts carried out by Tribes. Regulations governing STIPs can be found at 23 CFR part 450.
§ 170.106 - Should planning organizations and local governments consult with Tribes when planning for transportation projects?
Yes. When planning for transportation projects, planning organizations and local governments should consult with Tribes in the area where the project is located.
§ 170.107 - Should Tribes and BIA consult with planning organizations and local governments in developing projects?
Yes. Tribes and BIA should consult with planning organizations and local governments in developing projects.
(a) All regionally significant TTP projects must be:
(1) Developed in cooperation with State and metropolitan planning organizations; and
(2) Included in a FHWA-approved TTPTIP for inclusion in State and metropolitan plans.
(b) BIA and Tribes are encouraged to consult with States, metropolitan and regional planning organizations, and local and municipal governments on transportation matters of common concern.
§ 170.108 - How do the Secretaries prevent discrimination or adverse impacts?
The Secretaries ensure that non-discrimination and environmental justice principles are integral TTP program elements. The Secretaries consult with Tribes early in the program development process to identify potential discrimination and to recommend corrective actions to avoid disproportionately high and adverse effects on Tribes and Indian populations.
§ 170.109 - How can State and local governments prevent discrimination or adverse impacts?
(a) Under 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135, and 23 CFR part 450, State and local government officials shall consult and work with Tribes in the development of programs to:
(1) Identify potential discrimination; and
(2) Recommend corrective actions to avoid disproportionately high and adverse effects on Tribes and Indian populations.
(b) Examples of adverse effects include, but are not limited to:
(1) Impeding access to Tribal communities or activities;
(2) Creating excessive access to culturally or religiously sensitive areas;
(3) Negatively affecting natural resources, trust resources, Tribal businesses, religious, and cultural sites;
(4) Harming indigenous plants and animals; and
(5) Impairing the ability of Tribal members to engage in commercial, cultural, and religious activities.
§ 170.110 - What if discrimination or adverse impacts occur?
If discrimination or adverse impacts occur, a Tribe should take the following steps in the order listed:
(a) Take reasonable steps to resolve the problem directly with the State or local government involved; and
(b) Contact BIA, FHWA, or the Federal Transit Authority (FTA), as appropriate, to report the problem and seek assistance in resolving the problem.
Eligible Uses of TTP Funds
§ 170.111 - What activities may be carried out using TTP funds?
TTP funds will be used to pay the cost of items identified in 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(1). A more detailed list of eligible activities is available in the appendix A to this subpart. Each of the items identified in this appendix must be interpreted in a manner that permits, rather than prohibits, a proposed use of funds.
§ 170.112 - What activities are not eligible for TTP funding?
TTP funds cannot be used for any of the following:
(a) Structures and erosion protection unrelated to transportation and roadways;
(b) General or Tribal planning not involving transportation;
(c) Landscaping and irrigation systems not involving transportation programs and projects;
(d) Work or activities that are not listed on an FHWA-approved TTPTIP;
(e) Condemnation of land for recreational trails;
(f) Salaries and/or other incidental costs of any Federal employee or contractor not performing Federal TTP stewardship and oversight, work identified in the appendix to subpart E, or project-related activities identified on an approved TTIP; or
(g) Direct and/or incidental costs associated with the Federal Government's acquisition of goods, services, or construction unrelated to the program.
§ 170.113 - How can a Tribe determine whether a new use of funds is allowable?
(a) A Tribe that proposes new uses of TTP funds must ask BIA or FHWA in writing whether the proposed use is eligible under Federal law.
(1) In cases involving eligibility questions that refer to 25 U.S.C., BIA will determine whether the new proposed use of TTP funds is allowable and provide a written response to the requesting Tribe within 45 days of receiving the written inquiry. Tribes may appeal a denial of a proposed use by BIA under 25 CFR part 2. The address is: Department of the Interior, BIA, Division of Transportation, 1849 C Street NW., MS 4513 MIB, Washington, DC 20240.
(2) In cases involving eligibility questions that refer to the TTP or 23 U.S.C., BIA will refer an inquiry to FHWA for decision. FHWA must provide a written response to the requesting Tribe within 45 days of receiving the written inquiry from the Tribe. Tribes may appeal denials of a proposed use by the FHWA to: FHWA, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590.
(b) To the extent practical, the deciding agency must consult with the TTP Coordinating Committee before denying a request.
(c) BIA and FHWA will:
(1) Send copies of all eligibility determinations to the TTP Coordinating Committee and BIA Regional offices;
(2) Coordinate all responses and if the requested agency fails to issue a decision to the requesting Tribe within the required time, the proposed use will be deemed to be allowable for that specific project; and
(3) Promptly make any final determination available on agency Web sites.
Use of TTP and Cultural Site or Area Entry Roads
§ 170.114 - What restrictions apply to the use of a Tribal transportation facility?
(a) All Tribal transportation facilities listed in the approved NTTFI must be open and available for public use as required by 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(31). However, the public authority having jurisdiction over these roads or the Secretary, in consultation with a Tribe and applicable private landowners, may restrict road use or close roads temporarily when:
(1) Required for public health and safety or as provided in § 170.116.
(2) Conducting engineering and traffic analysis to determine maximum speed limits, maximum vehicular size, and weight limits, and identify needed traffic control devices; and
(3) Erecting, maintaining, and enforcing compliance with signs and pavement markings.
(b) Consultation is not required whenever the conditions in paragraph (a) of this section involve immediate safety or life-threatening situations.
(c) A Tribal transportation facility owned by a Tribe or BIA may be permanently closed only when the Tribal government and the Secretary agree. Once this agreement is reached, BIA must remove the facility from the NTTFI and it will be ineligible for expenditure of any TTP funds.
§ 170.115 - What is a cultural site or area entry road?
(a) A cultural site or area entry road is a public road that provides access to sites for cultural purposes as defined by Tribal traditions, which may include, for example:
(1) Sacred and medicinal sites;
(2) Gathering medicines or materials such as grasses for basket weaving; and
(3) Other traditional activities, including, but not limited to, subsistence hunting, fishing and gathering.
(b) A Tribal government may unilaterally designate a Tribal road as a cultural site or area entry road. A cultural site or area entry road designation is an entirely voluntary and internal decision made by the Tribe to help it and other public authorities manage, protect, and preserve access to locations that have cultural significance.
(c) In order for a Tribal government to designate a non-tribal road as a cultural site or area entry road, it must enter into an agreement with the public authority having jurisdiction over the road.
(d) Cultural site or area entry roads may be included in the NTTFI if they meet the definition of a TTP facility.
§ 170.116 - Can a Tribe close a cultural site or area entry road?
(a) A Tribe with jurisdiction over a cultural site or area entry road can close it. The Tribe can carry this out:
(1) During periods when the Tribe or Tribal members are involved in cultural activities; and
(2) In order to protect the health and safety of the Tribal members or the general public.
(b) Cultural site or area entry roads designated through an agreement with a public authority may only be closed according to the provisions of the agreement. See § 170.115(c).
Seasonal Transportation Routes
§ 170.117 - Can TTP funds be used on seasonal transportation routes?
Yes. A Tribe may use TTP funds on seasonal transportation routes that are included in the NTTFI.
(a) Information regarding the standards for seasonal transportation routes are found in § 170.454. A Tribe can also develop or adopt standards that are equal to or exceed these standards.
(b) To help ensure the safety of the traveling public, construction of a seasonal transportation route requires a right-of-way, easement, or use permit.
TTP Housing Site or Area Entry Roads
§ 170.118 - What terms apply to TTP housing site or area entry roads?
(a) TTP housing site or area entry road means a public road on the TTP System that provides access to a housing cluster.
(b) TTP housing street means a public road on the TTP System that is located within a housing cluster.
(c) Housing cluster means three or more existing or proposed housing units.
§ 170.119 - Are housing site or area entry roads and housing streets eligible for TTP funding?
Yes. TTP housing site or area entry roads and housing streets on public rights-of-way are eligible for construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation funding under the TTP. Tribes, following the transportation planning process as required in subpart D, may include housing site or area entry roads and housing street projects on their TTIP.
Toll, Ferry, and Airport Facilities
§ 170.120 - How can Tribes use Federal highway funds for toll and ferry facilities?
(a) A Tribe can use Federal-aid highway funds, including TTP funds, to study, design, construct, and operate toll highways, bridges, and tunnels, as well as ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities. The following table shows how a Tribe can initiate construction of these facilities.
To initiate construction of a . . . | A Tribe must . . . | (1) Toll highway, bridge, or tunnel | (i) Meet and follow the requirements in 23 U.S.C. 129; and (ii) If TTP funds are used, enter into an Agreement as defined in § 170.5. | (2) Ferry boat or ferry terminal | Meet and follow the requirements in 23 U.S.C. 129(c). |
---|
(b) A Tribe can use TTP funds to fund 100 percent of the conversion or construction of a toll facility.
(c) If a Tribe obtains non-TTP Federal funding for the conversion or construction of a toll facility, the Tribe may use TTP funds to satisfy any matching fund requirements.
§ 170.121 - Where is information about designing and operating a toll facility available?
Information on designing and operating a toll highway, bridge or tunnel is available from the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. The Association publishes a variety of reports, statistics, and analyses. The Web site is located at http://www.ibtta.org. Information is also available from FHWA.
§ 170.122 - When can a Tribe use TTP funds for airport facilities?
(a) A Tribe can use TTP funds for construction of airport and heliport access roads, if the access roads are open to the public.
(b) A Tribe cannot use TTP funds to construct, improve, or maintain airport or heliport facilities.
Recreation, Tourism, and Trails
§ 170.123 - Can a Tribe use Federal funds for its recreation, tourism, and trails program?
Yes. A Tribe, Consortium, or the BIA may use TTP funds for recreation, tourism, and trails programs if the programs are included in the TTPTIP. Additionally, the following Federal programs may be possible sources of Federal funding for recreation, tourism, and trails projects and activities:
(a) Federal Lands Access Program (23 U.S.C. 204);
(b) National Highway Performance Program (23 U.S.C. 119);
(c) Transportation Alternatives (23 U.S.C. 213);
(d) Surface Transportation Program (23 U.S.C. 133);
(e) Other funding from other Federal departments; and
(f) Other funding that Congress may authorize and appropriate.
§ 170.124 - How can a Tribe obtain funds?
(a) To receive funding for programs that serve recreation, tourism, and trails goals, a Tribe should:
(1) Identify a program meeting the eligibility guidelines for the funds and have it ready for development; and
(2) Have a viable project ready for improvement or construction, including necessary permits.
(b) Tribes seeking to obtain funding from a State under the programs identified in § 170.123(b) through (f) should contact the State directly to determine eligibility, contracting opportunities, funding mechanisms, and project administration requirements. These funds would be made available as provided by § 170.627 of this part.
(c) In order to expend any Federal transportation funds, a Tribe must ensure that the eligible project/program is listed on an FHWA-approved TIP or STIP.
§ 170.125 - What types of activities can a recreation, tourism, and trails program include?
(a) The following are examples of activities that Tribes and Consortiums may include in a recreation, tourism, and trails program:
(1) Transportation planning for tourism and recreation travel;
(2) Adjacent public vehicle parking areas;
(3) Development of tourist information and interpretative signs;
(4) Provision for non-motorized trail activities including pedestrians and bicycles;
(5) Provision for motorized trail activities including all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.;
(6) Construction improvements that enhance and promote safe travel on trails;
(7) Safety and educational activities;
(8) Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails;
(9) Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkage for recreational trails;
(10) Purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment;
(11) Safety considerations for trail intersections;
(12) Landscaping and scenic enhancement (see 23 U.S.C. 319);
(13) Bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways (see 23 U.S.C. 217); and
(14) Trail access roads.
(b) The items listed in paragraph (a) of this section are not the only activities that are eligible for recreation, tourism, and trails funding. The funding criteria may vary with the specific requirements of the programs.
(c) Tribes may use TTP funds for any activity that is eligible for Federal funding under any provision of title 23 of the U.S.C.
§ 170.126 - Can roads be built in roadless and wild areas?
Under 25 CFR part 265, no roads can be built in an area designated as a roadless and wild area.
TTP Safety
§ 170.127 - What are the TTP Safety Funds?
(a) Funds, identified as TTP Safety (TTP-S) funds, are made available for a Tribe's highway safety activities through a TTP set-aside established in 23 U.S.C. 202(e). TTP-S funds are allocated based on identification and analysis of highway safety issues and opportunities on Tribal lands. A TTP-S call for projects will be made annually through a Notice of Funding Opportunity published in the
(b) Tribes may also use their TTP-S funds made available through 23 U.S.C. 202(b) for highway safety activities as well as seek grant and program funding from appropriate State and local agencies and private grant organizations.
(c) A project that uses TTP-S funding or TTP funds made available under 23 U.S.C. 202(b) must be identified on a FHWA-approved TTPTIP before any funds are expended.
§ 170.128 - What activities are eligible for TTP-S funds?
(a) TTP-S funds made available under 23 U.S.C. 202(e) may be used for projects and activities that improve safety in one or more of the following categories:
(1) Safety Plans and Planning activities; and
(2) Other eligible activities as described in 23 U.S.C. 148(a)(4)
(b) Eligible activities for each of the categories listed in paragraph (a) of this section will be included in the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity. An eligibility determination for other proposed activities must be requested from BIA or FHWA under § 170.113.
§ 170.129 - How will Tribes receive TTP-S funds?
TTP-S funds made available to Tribes may be included in the Tribe's self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, program agreements, and other appropriate agreements.
§ 170.130 - How can Tribes obtain non-TTP funds for highway safety projects?
FHWA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BIA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal agencies may have funding available for Tribes to address safety projects and activities. Please see the respective agency/department Web sites for further information or ask BIA or FHWA for assistance. If funding from these agencies does become available, Tribes may work with BIA or FHWA to include those funds through an ISDEAA contract or agreement, or other appropriate agreement for these projects. If the funding is title 23 funding that is originally made available to a State, the Tribe will need to work with the State to develop an agreement for the funding and work through the process identified in § 170.627 of this part.
Transit Facilities
§ 170.131 - How do Tribes identify transit needs?
Tribes identify transit needs during the Tribal transportation planning process (see subpart D of this part). Transit projects using TTP funds must be included in the FHWA-approved TTPTIP.
§ 170.132 - What Federal funds are available for a Tribe's transit program?
Title 23 U.S.C. authorizes use of TTP funds for transit facilities as defined in this part. There are many additional sources of Federal funds for Tribal transit programs, including the Federal programs listed in this section. Note that each program has its own terms and conditions of assistance. For further information on these programs and their use for transit, contact the FTA Regional Transit Assistance Program at www.nationalrtap.org. Section 170.627 of this part identifies how these funds, if provided to the Tribe from a State or county, can be made available.
(a) Department of Transportation. Formula Grants for Public Transportation on Indian Reservations under 49 U.S.C. 5311, Welfare-to-Work, Tribal Transportation Program, transportation and community and systems preservation, Federal transit capital improvement grants, public transportation for non-urbanized areas, capital assistance for elderly and disabilities transportation, education, and Even Start.
(b) Department of Agriculture. Community facilities loans; rural development loans; business and industrial loans; rural enterprise grants; commerce, public works and economic development grants; and economic adjustment assistance.
(c) Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community development block grants, supportive housing, Tribal housing loan guarantees, resident opportunity and support services.
(d) Department of Labor. Indian employment and training, welfare-to-work grants.
(e) Department of Health and Human Services. Programs for Indian elders, community service block grants, job opportunities for low-income individuals, Head Start (capital or operating), administration for Indian programs, Medicaid, HIV Care Grants, Healthy Start, and the Indian Health Service.
§ 170.133 - May a Tribe or BIA use TTP funds as matching funds?
TTP funds may be used to meet matching or cost participation requirements for any Federal or non-Federal transit grant or program.
§ 170.134 - What transit facilities and activities are eligible for TTP funding?
Transit facilities and activities eligible for TTP funding include, but are not limited to:
(a) Acquiring, constructing, operating, supervising or inspecting new, used or refurbished equipment, buildings, facilities, buses, vans, water craft, and other vehicles for use in public transportation;
(b) Transit-related intelligent transportation systems;
(c) Rehabilitating, remanufacturing, and overhauling a transit vehicle;
(d) Preventive maintenance;
(e) Leasing transit vehicles, equipment, buildings, and facilities for use in mass transportation;
(f) Third-party contracts for otherwise eligible transit facilities and activities;
(g) Public transportation improvements that enhance economic and community development, such as bus shelters in shopping centers, parking lots, pedestrian improvements, and support facilities that incorporate other community services;
(h) Passenger shelters, bus stop signs, and similar passenger amenities;
(i) Introduction of new public transportation technology;
(j) Provision of fixed route, demand response services, and non-fixed route paratransit transportation services;
(k) Radio and communication equipment to support Tribal transit programs;
(l) Transit; and
(m) Any additional activities authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5311.
TTP Coordinating Committee
§ 170.135 - What is the TTP Coordinating Committee?
(a) Under this part, the Secretaries will establish a TTP Coordinating Committee that:
(1) Provides input and recommendations to BIA and FHWA in developing TTP regulations, policies and procedures; and
(2) Supplements government-to-government consultation by coordinating with and obtaining input from Tribes, BIA, and FHWA.
(b) The Committee consists of 24 Tribal regional representatives (two from each BIA Region) and two non-voting Federal representatives (FHWA and BIA).
(c) The Secretary must select the regional Tribal representatives from nominees officially submitted by the region's Tribes.
(1) To the extent possible, the Secretary must make the selection so that there is representation from a broad cross-section of large, medium, and small Tribes.
(2) Tribal nominees must be Tribal governmental officials or Tribal employees with authority to act for their Tribal government.
(d) For purposes of continuity, the Secretary will appoint the Tribal representatives to a three year term. The appointments will be carried out so that only one of a region's two representatives will be appointed in any one year. Should the Tribal appointment or employment of a committee representative terminate during his/her term, the representative must notify the Secretary of this change and his/her membership to the Committee will cease. Upon receipt of the notification, the Secretary will seek nominations from the region's Tribes to replace the representative for the remainder of the term.
(e) Should the need arise, the Secretary will replace representatives.
§ 170.136 - What are the TTP Coordinating Committee's responsibilities?
(a) Committee responsibilities are to provide input and recommendations to BIA and FHWA during the development or revision of:
(1) BIA/FHWA TTP Stewardship Plan;
(2) TTP policy and procedures;
(3) TTP eligible activities determination;
(4) TTP transit policy;
(5) TTP regulations;
(6) TTP management systems policy and procedures; and
(7) National Tribal transportation needs.
(b) The Committee may establish work groups to carry out its responsibilities.
(c) The Committee also reviews and provides recommendations on TTP national concerns (including the implementation of this part) brought to its attention.
(d) Committee members are responsible for disseminating TTP Coordinating Committee information and activities to Tribal leadership and transportation officials within their respective BIA Regions.
§ 170.137 - How does the TTP Coordinating Committee conduct business?
The Committee holds at least two meetings a year. In order to maximize participation by the Tribal public, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary its proposed meeting dates and locations for each fiscal year no later than October 1st. Subject to approval by the Secretary, additional Committee meetings may be called with the consent of one-third of the Committee members, or by BIA or FHWA. The Committee conducts business at its meetings as follows:
(a) A quorum consists of representation from eight BIA Regions.
(b) The Committee will operate by consensus or majority vote, as determined by the Committee in its protocols.
(c) Any Committee member can submit an agenda item to the Chair.
(d) The Committee will work through a committee-approved annual work plan and budget.
(e) Annually, the Committee must elect from among the Committee membership a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and other officers. These officers will be responsible for preparing for and conducting Committee meetings and summarizing meeting results. These officers will also have other duties that the Committee may prescribe.
(f) The Committee must keep the Secretary and the Tribes informed through an annual accomplishment report provided within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year.
(g) The Committee's budget will be funded through the TTP management and oversight funds, not to exceed $150,000 annually.
Tribal Technical Assistance Centers
§ 170.138 - What are Tribal Technical Assistance Centers?
Tribal Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC), which are also referred to as Tribal Technical Assistance Program Centers are authorized under 23 U.S.C. 504(b)(3). The centers assist Tribal governments and other TTP participants in extending their technical capabilities by providing them greater access to transportation technology, training, and research opportunities. Complete information about the centers and the services they offer is available on at http://ltap.org/about/ttap.php.
Appendix A - Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 170—Allowable Uses of TTP funds
TTP funds must be used to pay the cost of those items identified in 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(1), including:
(a) TTP funds can be used for the following planning and design activities:
(1) Planning and design of Tribal Transportation Facilities.
(2) Transportation planning activities, including planning for tourism and recreational travel.
(3) Development, establishment, and implementation of Tribal transportation management systems such as safety, bridge, pavement, and congestion management.
(4) Tribal transportation plans and transportation improvement programs (TIPS).
(5) Coordinated technology implementation program (CTIP) projects.
(6) Traffic engineering and studies.
(7) Identification, implementation, and evaluation of data-driven safety needs.
(8) Tribal transportation standards.
(9) Preliminary engineering studies.
(10) Interagency program/project formulation, coordination and review.
(11) Environmental studies and archeological investigations directly related to transportation programs and projects.
(12) Costs associated with obtaining permits and/or complying with Tribal, Federal, State, and local environmental, archeological and natural resources regulations and standards.
(13) Development of natural habitat and wetland conservation and mitigation plans, including plans authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 1990, 104 Stat. 4604 (Water Resources Development Act).
(14) Architectural and landscape engineering services related to transportation programs.
(15) Engineering design related to transportation programs, including permitting activities.
(16) Inspection of bridges and structures.
(17) Tribal Transportation Assistance Centers (TTACs).
(18) Safety planning, programming, studies and activities.
(19) Tribal employment rights ordinance (TERO) fees.
(20) Purchase or lease of advanced technological devices used for transportation planning and design activities such as global positioning units, portable weigh-in-motion systems, hand-held data collection units, related hardware and software, etc.
(21) Planning, design and coordination for Innovative Readiness Training projects.
(22) Transportation planning and project development activities associated with border crossings on or affecting Tribal lands.
(23) Public meetings and public involvement activities associated with transportation projects and planning.
(24) Leasing or rental of equipment used in transportation planning or design programs.
(25) Transportation-related technology transfer activities and programs.
(26) Educational activities related to bicycle safety.
(27) Planning and design of mitigation impacts to environmental resources caused by a transportation project, including, but not limited to, wildlife, habitat, ecosystems, historic properties, and wetlands.
(28) Evaluation of community impacts such as land use, mobility, access, social, safety, psychological, displacement, economic, and aesthetic impacts.
(29) Acquisition of land and interests in land required for right-of-way, including control of access thereto from adjoining lands, the cost of appraisals, cost of surveys, cost of examination and abstract of title, the cost of certificate of title, advertising costs, and any fees incidental to such acquisition.
(30) Cost associated with relocation activities including financial assistance for displaced businesses or persons and other activities as authorized by law.
(31) On-the-job education including classroom instruction and pre-apprentice training activities related to transportation planning and design.
(32) Other eligible activities as approved by FHWA.
(33) Any additional activities identified by TTP Coordinating Committee guidance and approved by the appropriate Secretaries (see § 170.137).
(34) Indirect general and administrative costs; and
(35) Other eligible activities described in this part.
(b) TTP funds can be used for the following construction and improvement activities:
(1) Construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, and operational improvements for Tribal transportation facilities.
(2) Construction or improvement of Tribal transportation facilities necessary to accommodate other transportation modes.
(3) Construction of toll roads, highway bridges and tunnels, and toll and non-toll ferry boats and terminal facilities, and approaches thereto (except when on the Interstate System) to the extent permitted under 23 U.S.C. 129.
(4) Construction of projects for the elimination of hazards at railway-highway crossings, including the separation or protection of grades at crossings, the reconstruction of existing railroad grade crossing structures, and the relocation of highways to eliminate grade crossings.
(5) Installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings.
(6) Transit facilities, whether publicly or privately owned, that serve Indian reservations and other communities or that provide access to or are located within an Indian reservation or community (see §§ 170.131 through 170.134 for additional information).
(7) Engineered pavement overlays that add to the structural value and design life or increase the skid resistance of the pavement.
(8) Tribally-owned, post-secondary vocational school transportation facilities.
(9) Road sealing.
(10) The placement of a double bituminous surface and chip seals during the construction of an approved project (as the non-final course) or that form the final surface of low volume roads.
(11) Seismic retrofit, replacement, rehabilitation, and painting of road bridges.
(12) Application of calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and de-icing compositions on road bridges, and approaches thereto and other elevated structures.
(13) Installation of scour countermeasures for road bridges and other elevated structures.
(14) Special pedestrian facilities built in lieu of streets or roads, where standard street or road construction is not feasible.
(15) Standard regulatory, warning, guide, and other official traffic signs, including dual language signs, which comply with the MUTCD that are part of transportation projects. TTP funds may also be used on interpretive signs (signs intended for viewing only by pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants of vehicles parked out of the flow of traffic) that are culturally relevant (native language, symbols, etc.) that are a part of transportation projects.
(16) Traffic barriers and bridge rails.
(17) Engineered spot safety improvements.
(18) Planning and development of rest areas, recreational trails, parking areas, sanitary facilities, water facilities, and other facilities that accommodate the traveling public.
(19) Public approach roads and interchange ramps that meet the definition of a Tribal Transportation Facility.
(20) Construction of roadway lighting and traffic signals.
(21) Adjustment or relocation of utilities directly related to roadway work, not required to be paid for by local utility companies.
(22) Conduits crossing under the roadway to accommodate utilities that are part of future development plans.
(23) Restoration of borrow and gravel pits created by projects funded from the TTP.
(24) Force account and day labor work, including materials and equipment rental, being performed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
(25) Experimental features where there is a planned monitoring and evaluation schedule.
(26) Capital and operating costs for traffic monitoring, management, and control facilities and programs.
(27) Safely accommodating the passage of vehicular and pedestrian traffic through construction zones.
(28) Construction engineering including contract/project administration, inspection, and testing.
(29) Construction of temporary and permanent erosion control, including landscaping and seeding of cuts and embankments.
(30) Landscape and roadside development features.
(31) Marine facilities and terminals as intermodal linkages.
(32) Construction of visitor information centers, kiosks, and related items.
(33) Other appropriate public road facilities such as visitor centers as determined by the Secretary of Transportation.
(34) Facilities adjacent to roadways to separate pedestrians and bicyclists from vehicular traffic for operational safety purposes, or special trails on separate rights-of-way.
(35) Construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, such as a new or improved lane, path, or shoulder for use by bicyclists and a traffic control device, shelter, or parking facility for bicycles.
(36) Facilities adjacent to roadways to separate modes of traffic for safety purposes.
(37) Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites provided they are part of an approved project or projects.
(38) Debt service on bonds or other debt financing instruments issued to finance TTP construction and project support activities.
(39) Any project to encourage the use of carpools and vanpools, including provision of carpooling opportunities to the elderly and individuals with disabilities, systems for locating potential riders and informing them of carpool opportunities, acquiring vehicles for carpool use, designating existing highway lanes as preferential carpool highway lanes, providing related traffic control devices, and designating existing facilities for use for preferential parking for carpools.
(40) Fringe and corridor parking facilities including access roads, buildings, structures, equipment improvements, and interests in land.
(41) Adjacent public parking areas.
(42) Costs associated with obtaining permits and/or complying with Tribal, Federal, State, and local environmental, archeological, and natural resources regulations and standards on TTP projects.
(43) Seasonal transportation routes, including snowmobile trails, ice roads, overland winter roads, and trail markings. (See § 170.117.)
(44) Tribal fees such as employment taxes (TERO), assessments, licensing fees, permits, and other regulatory fees.
(45) On-the-job education including classroom instruction and pre-apprentice training activities related to TTP construction projects such as equipment operations, surveying, construction monitoring, testing, inspection and project management.
(46) Installation of advance technological devices on TTP transportation facilities such as permanent weigh-in-motion systems, informational signs, intelligent transportation system hardware, etc.
(47) Cultural and environmental resource monitoring, management, and mitigation for transportation related activities
(48) Mitigation activities required by Tribal, State, or Federal regulatory agencies and 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq., the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
(49) Purchasing, leasing or renting of construction or maintenance equipment. All equipment purchase request submittals must be accompanied by written cost analysis and approved by FHWA or BIA. When purchasing construction or maintenance equipment, a Tribe must:
(i) Construction—Develop a lease/purchase cost analysis that identifies the overall benefit of purchasing the piece of equipment versus leasing. This analysis must be submitted to BIA or FHWA for approval per § 170.113. If approved, the funding must be identified on a FHWA-approved TTIP in order to be expended in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(4)(B).
(ii) Maintenance—The equipment costs are considered part of the funding identified in 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(8) and must be identified on a FHWA-approved TTIP in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(4)(B) in order to be expended.
(50) Coordination and construction materials for innovative readiness training projects operated by entities such as the Department of Defense (DOD), the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other cooperating Federal agencies, States and their political subdivisions, Tribal governments, or other appropriate non-governmental organizations.
(51) Emergency repairs on Tribal Transportation Facilities.
(52) Public meetings and public involvement activities.
(53) Construction of roads on dams and levees.
(54) Transportation alternative activities as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a).
(55) Modification of public sidewalks adjacent to or within Tribal transportation facilities.
(56) Highway and transit safety infrastructure improvements and hazard eliminations.
(57) Transportation control measures such as employer-based transportation management plans, including incentives, shared-ride services, employer sponsored programs to permit flexible work schedules and other activities, other than clause (xvi) listed in section 108(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act, (42 U.S.C. 7408(f)(1)(A)).
(58) Environmental restoration and pollution abatement activities in order to construct a transportation project or to mitigate impacts caused by a transportation project.
(59) Trail development and related activities as identified in §§ 170.123 through 170.126.
(60) Development of scenic overlooks and information centers.
(61) Natural habitat and wetlands mitigation efforts related to TTP projects, including:
(i) Participation in natural habitat and wetland mitigation banks, including banks authorized under the Water Resources Development Act, and
(ii) Contributions to Tribal, statewide and regional efforts to conserve, restore, enhance, and create natural habitats and wetland, including efforts authorized under the Water Resources Development Act.
(62) Mitigation of damage to wildlife, habitat and ecosystems caused as a result of a transportation project.
(63) Construction of permanent fixed or moveable structures for snow or sand control.
(64) Cultural access roads (see § 170.115).
(65) Other eligible items as approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
(66) Any additional activities proposed by a Tribe or the TTP Coordinating Committee and approved by the appropriate Secretaries (see §§ 170.113 and 170.136).
(67) Other eligible activities identified in this part (c) TTP funds can be used for maintenance activities as defined in subpart G of this regulation.
(d) Each of the items identified in this appendix must be interpreted in a manner that permits, rather than prohibits, a proposed use of funds.
Appendix B - Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 170—Sources of Tribal Transportation Training and Education Opportunities
The following is a list of some of the many governmental sources for Tribal transportation training and education opportunities. There may be other non-governmental, Tribal, or private sources not listed here.
(1) National Highway Institute training courses and fellowships
(2) State and local technical assistance center workshops
(3) Tribal technical assistance centers (TTAC) workshops
(4) FHWA and FTA Research Fellowships
(5) Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship (23 U.S.C. 504)
(6) Intergovernmental personnel agreement assignments
(7) BIA transportation cooperative education program
(8) BIA force account operations
(9) Federal Transit Administration workshops
(10) State Departments of Transportation
(11) Federal-aid highway construction and technology training including skill improvement programs under 23 U.S.C. 140(b) and (c)
(12) Other funding sources identified in § 170.150 (Transit)
(13) Department of Labor work force development
(14) Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Demonstration Act, Public Law 102-477
(15) Garrett Morgan Scholarship (FHWA)
(16) NTRC—National Transit Resource Center
(17) CTER—Council for Tribal Employment Rights
(18) BIA Indian Highway Safety Program
(19) FHWA/STIPDG (Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups) and NSTISS (National Summer Transportation Institute for Secondary Students) Student Internship Programs
(20) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(21) Department of Commerce (DOC)
(22) Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development
(23) Training program for bridge and tunnel inspectors
(24) Transportation Research Board (TRB)