The Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (TTPSF) is a discretionary grant program under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that allocates 4% of annual Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) funds to address transportation safety issues in Indian country. The program aims to reduce fatalities and severe injuries among federally recognized Tribal communities by supporting projects that improve road and transportation safety. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, TTPSF focuses on developing and implementing safety projects identified through each Tribe's strategic safety plan.

Eligible project categories under TTPSF include a wide array of transportation safety initiatives, such as developing or updating Tribal transportation safety plans, conducting safety data assessments, performing road safety audits, and implementing systemic safety countermeasures (e.g., rumble strips, roadside hazard mitigation). Projects can also involve infrastructure improvements designed to separate pedestrian or cyclist pathways from motor vehicles, improve roadway alignment, and enhance sight distance at intersections to reduce crash risks. Funding may cover both road-specific safety enhancements and other modes of travel, such as ATV safety, as long as they align with the Tribe's transportation safety plan.

TTPSF provides a streamlined application process, which includes reviewing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), completing an application form, and submitting required project documentation, including parts of the Tribe’s safety plan relevant to the proposed project. The program allows multiple applications from a single Tribe for various projects. Applications for FY 2025 are accepted between October 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, via email to TTPSF@DOT.gov. For large project requests, Tribes are encouraged to propose scalable funding packages to increase their chances of receiving partial or full funding.

TTPSF covers expenses for project-related staff time, data collection, and travel costs. However, specific expenditures are ineligible, including automated traffic enforcement systems, training for federal employees, general State or local expenses, and entertainment or alcohol-related expenses. Also ineligible are furnishings or fixtures unrelated to project objectives.

TTPSF does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, although leveraging private or public funds is encouraged. Examples of leveraged support include using Tribal staff time funded by other resources or securing meeting spaces at no cost. While there is no cap on award amounts, applicants are advised to structure their requests to accommodate varying funding levels if only partial funding is available. To support proposal preparation, FHWA has hosted informational webinars and will hold office hours for questions through web conference sessions in October and November 2024.

Only federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply directly for TTPSF. Partnerships with other entities are allowed, provided the Tribe is the primary applicant. Additional guidance, including a list of eligible projects and data requirements for applications, is available through the NOFO and the TTPSF Application Guide. For ongoing updates, Tribes can subscribe to the Office of Tribal Transportation’s mailing list or contact the program manager, Adam Larsen, at 360-619-2601 or via email at TTPSF@DOT.gov.