Transportation grant opportunities for Tribal Nations

Announcements and opportunities

  • In 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, $59,672,408.95 in transportation grant funding has been awarded into Indian Country in partnership with the Office of Tribal Affairs.
  • SRTS funds were awarded to two Tribes
  • AT funding was awarded to White Earth Nation

Project spotlight

The Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) provides funding assistance to Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and local agencies for construction, reconstruction or reconditioning projects. In 2024 Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa was awarded LRIP funding to reconstruct Eliza Road and Margaret Road as well as Lower Bay Road on the Grand Portage Reservation. This project was to repair multiple cuts made from replacing the main water line to homes on these roads. The multiple cuts made the roadway unsafe, and vehicles had to leave their assigned lane to avoid larger potholes and the temporary repair to the cuts. Lower Bay Road was also a mill and fill project to repair hazardous conditions. The project was completed in November 2024 and successfully eliminated the transportation system deficiency. Thank you to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior for their partnership and improving transportation systems for their community. 

Grant opportunities

MnDOT state-funded grants

LRIP provides funding assistance to Tribal Nations and local agencies for construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning projects. Funds for the program are appropriated based on Minnesota Statutes 174.52.

Projects are selected through a competitive solicitation process using the following criteria along with recommendations from the LRIP Advisory Committee.

  • The availability of other staet, federal, local, and Tribal funds
  • The regional significance of the route
  • Effectiveness of the proposed project in eliminating a transportation system deficiency
  • The number of persons positively impacted by the project
  • Project's contribution to other local, regional, state, or Tribal economic development or redevelopment efforts
  • Ability of the local unit of governmet or Federally Recognized Indian Tribe to adequately provide for the safe operation and maintenance

Find more information about LRIP.

The SRTS Programs improve safety, reduce traffic and improve air quality near schools through a multidisciplinary approach that is structured around the 6 Es:

  • Evaluation
  • Education
  • Encouragement
  • Equity
  • Engagement
  • Engineering

For more information about Safe Routes to School.

The AT Program provides grants and technical assistance to make walking, biking, and rolling better. The program aims to increase the number of people walking and biking to destinations.

AT infrastructure grants

For studies and infrastructure plans that improve the places where people walk and bike.

Planning assistance

AT Program planning assistance will connect applicants with an active transportation planning team to conduct community, neighborhood or corridor planning.

Quick-build/demonstration project technical assistance

Quick-build/demonstration project technical asssistance will support communities with existing Active Transportation plans, or other active transportation approaches in undertaking the process to plan, design and implement a demonstration project in their community.

Find more information about the Active Transportation Program.

The current IIJA Match funds have been exhausted, however please continue to apply in case there is future funding.

The IIJA was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The law provides a historic investment in our infrastructure and economy over federal fiscal years 2022 to 2026. MnDOT created the IIJA Discretionary Match Program through the Minnesota Legislature in the 2023 Session. Tis funding is available to grant recipients that have directly received a federal discretionary award for a transportation-related purpose under IIJA and will be used as matching funds. The federal grant must be for a transportation-related purpose, such as a transportation project program, planning and program delivery, and it may include administrative costs, ongoing operations or other related expenditures.

How it works
  • MnDOT will award funds to eligible entities on a first come, first serve basis
  • Applications will be submitted electronically with a time and date stamp of submitta
  • Awards made under this grant program will be capped at the match amount or at $10 milion, whichever is less.
  • Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available
  • Notifications of awards will be sent monthly

Find more information about the IIJA match program.

Federal grant resources

A new resource to help communities understand the best ways to apply for grants, and to plan for and deliver transformative infrastructure projects and services - Visit DOT Navigator.

Search and apply for federal grants. Grants.gov is an E-Government initiative that operates under the governance of the Office of Management and Budget. This system provides a common website for federal agencies to post funding opportunities for grantees. - Visit Grants.gov.

This playbook has two specific goals and is organized in two parts: 1. Identify programs and sources of funds specifically set aside for Tribal communities under the law.  2. Provide a guide to Tribal eligibility for other programs under the law and identify specific benefits or flexibilities for Tribes and Tribal communities – like waivers for Federal matching requirements for Tribal Nations that apply for competitive funds or enhanced benefits under existing programs for members of Tribal Nations. - Visit Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Tribal Playbook.