TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

• Citation: 25 CFR Part 170
• Sections: 169

§ 170.1 What does this part do?

This part provides rules and references to the statutory funding formula for the Department of the Interior (DOI), in cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOT), to implement the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). Included in this part are references to other title 23 and title 25 transportation programs administered by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) and the Secretary of Transportation (together, the “Secretaries”) and implemented by Tribes and Consortiums in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (ISDEAA), as amended, FHWA program agreements, and other appropriate agreements.

§ 170.2 What policies govern the TTP?

(a) The Secretaries' policy for the TTP is to:

(1) Provide a uniform and consistent set of rules;

(2) Foster knowledge of the programs by providing information about them and the opportunities that they create;

(3) Facilitate Tribal planning, conduct, and administration of the programs;

(4) Encourage inclusion of these programs under self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, program agreements, and other appropriate agreements;

(5) Make available all contractible non-inherently Federal administrative functions under self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, program agreements, and other appropriate agreements; and

(6) Carry out policies, procedures, and practices in consultation with Indian Tribes to ensure the letter, spirit, and goals of Federal transportation programs are fully implemented.

(b) Where this part differs from provisions in the ISDEAA, this part should advance the policy of increasing Tribal autonomy and discretion in program operation.

(c) This part is designed to enable Indian Tribes to participate in all contractible activities of the TTP. The Secretaries will afford Indian Tribes the flexibility, information, and discretion to design transportation programs under self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, program agreements, and other appropriate agreements to meet the needs of their communities consistent with this part.

(d) Programs, functions, services, and activities, regardless of how they are administered, are an exercise of Indian Tribes' self-determination and self-governance.

(1) The Tribe is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of its contracted Federal programs, functions, services, and activities.

(2) The Tribe accepts responsibility and accountability to the beneficiaries under self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, program agreements, and other appropriate agreements for:

(i) Use of the funds; and

(ii) Satisfactory performance of all activities funded under the contract or agreement.

(3) The Secretary will continue to discharge the trust responsibilities to protect and conserve the trust resources of Tribes and the trust resources of individual Indians.

(e) The Secretary should interpret Federal laws and regulations to facilitate including programs covered by this part in the government-to-government agreements authorized under ISDEAA.

(f) The administrative functions referenced in paragraph (a)(5) of this section are contractible without regard to the organizational level within the DOI that carries out these functions. Including TTP administrative functions under self-determination contracts, self- governance agreements, program agreements or other appropriate agreements, does not limit or reduce the funding for any program or service serving any other Tribe.

(g) The Secretaries are not required to reduce funding for a Tribe under these programs to make funds available to another Tribe.

(h) This part must be liberally construed for the benefit of Tribes and to implement the Federal policy of self-determination and self-governance.

(i) Any ambiguities in this part must be construed in favor of the Tribes to facilitate and enable the transfer of programs authorized by 23 U.S.C. 201 and 202 and title 25 of the U.S.C.

§ 170.3 When do other requirements apply to the TTP?

TTP policies, guidance, and directives apply, to the extent permitted by law, only if they are consistent with this part and 25 CFR parts 900 and 1000. See 25 CFR 900.5 for when a Tribe must comply with other unpublished requirements.

§ 170.4 How does this part affect existing Tribal rights?

This part does not:

(a) Affect Tribes' sovereign immunity from suit;

(b) Terminate or reduce the trust responsibility of the United States to Tribes or individual Indians;

(c) Require a Tribe to assume a program relating to the TTP; or

(d) Impede awards by other agencies of the United States or a State to Tribes to administer programs under any other law.

§ 170.5 What definitions apply to this part?

Access road means a public highway or road that provides access to Tribal land and appears on the National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI).

Agreement means a self-determination contract, self-governance agreement, Program Agreement or other appropriate agreement authorized under 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(2), developed in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(6) and(b)(7) as well as 23 U.S.C. 207, to fund and manage the programs, functions, services and activities transferred to a Tribe.

Appeal means a request by a Tribe or consortium for an administrative review of an adverse agency decision.

Asset management as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(2) means a strategic and systematic process of operating, maintaining, and improving physical assets, with a focus on both engineering and economic analysis based upon quality information, to identify a structured sequence of maintenance, preservation, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement actions that will achieve and sustain a desired state of good repair over the lifecycle of the assets at minimum practicable cost.

BIA Force Account means the performance of work done by BIA employees.

BIA Road System means the Bureau of Indian Affairs Road System under the NTTFI and includes only those existing and proposed facilities for which the BIA has or plans to obtain legal right-of-way.

BIA System Inventory means Bureau of Indian Affairs System Inventory under the NTTFI that includes the BIA Road System, Tribally owned public roads, and facilities not owned by an Indian Tribal government or the BIA in the States of Oklahoma and Alaska that were used to generate road mileage for computation of the funding formula in the Indian Reservation Roads Program prior to October 1, 2004.

Consortium means an organization or association of Tribes that is authorized by those Tribes to negotiate and execute an Agreement to receive funding, manage, and carry out the program functions, services, and activities associated with the Tribal Transportation Program on behalf its member Tribes.

Construction, as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(4), means the supervising, inspecting, actual building, and incurrence of all costs incidental to the construction or reconstruction of a Tribal transportation facility, as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(31). The term includes—

(1) Preliminary engineering, engineering, and design-related services directly relating to the construction of a Tribal transportation facility project, including engineering, design, project development and management, construction project management and inspection, surveying, mapping (including the establishment of temporary and permanent geodetic control under specifications of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and architectural-related services;

(2) Reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation;

(3) Acquisition of rights-of-way;

(4) Relocation assistance, acquisition of replacement housing sites, and acquisition and rehabilitation, relocation, and construction of replacement housing;

(5) Elimination of hazards of railway-highway grade crossings;

(6) Elimination of roadside hazards;

(7) Improvements that directly facilitate and control traffic flow, such as grade separation of intersections, widening of lanes, channelization of traffic, traffic control systems, and passenger loading and unloading areas; and

(8) Capital improvements that directly facilitate an effective vehicle weight enforcement program, such as scales (fixed and portable), scale pits, scale installation, and scale houses.

Construction contract means a fixed price or cost reimbursement self-determination contract for a construction project or an eligible TTP funded road maintenance project, except that such term does not include any contract—

(1) That is limited to providing planning services and construction management services (or a combination of such services);

(2) For the housing improvement program or roads maintenance program of the BIA administered by the Secretary; or

(3) For the health facility maintenance and improvement program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Contract means a self-determination contract as defined in section 4(j) of the ISDEAA or a procurement document issued under Federal or Tribal procurement acquisition regulations.

Days means calendar days, except where the last day of any time period specified in this part falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the period will carry over to the next business day unless otherwise prohibited by law.

Design means services related to preparing drawings, specifications, estimates, and other design submissions specified in a contract or agreement, as well as services during the bidding/negotiating, construction, and operational phases of the project.

Financial constraint or Fiscal constraint means that a plan (metropolitan transportation plan, TTIP, or STIP) includes financial information demonstrating that projects can be implemented using committed, available, or reasonably available revenue sources, with reasonable assurance that the federally supported transportation system is adequately operated and maintained. ( See 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135.) Documentation must be developed that demonstrates that there is a balance between the expected revenue sources for the transportation investments and the estimated costs of the projects and programs described in the planning documents.

(1) For the TTIP and the STIP, financial constraint/fiscal constraint applies to each program year.

(2) Projects in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas can be included in the first two years of the TTIP and STIP only if funds are “available” or “committed.” See 23 CFR 450.104.

Governmental subdivision of a Tribe means a unit of a Tribe which is authorized to participate in a TTP activity on behalf of the Tribe.

Indian means a person who is a member of a Tribe or as otherwise defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b.

Maintenance means the preservation of the Tribal transportation facilities, including surface, shoulders, roadsides, structures, and such traffic-control devices as are necessary for safe and efficient utilization of the facility (see 23 U.S.C. 101(13)).

National Bridge and Tunnel Inventory (or NBTI) means the database of structural and appraisal data collected to fulfill the requirements of the National Bridge and Tunnel Inspection Standards, as defined in 23 U.S.C. 144. Each State and BIA must maintain an inventory of all bridges and tunnels that are subject to the NBTI standards and provide this data to the FHWA.

National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (or NTTFI) means at a minimum, transportation facilities that are eligible for assistance under the Tribal transportation program that an Indian Tribe has requested, including facilities that meet at least one of the following criteria:

(1) Were included in the Bureau of Indian Affairs system inventory prior to October 1, 2004.

(2) Are owned by an Indian Tribal government (“owned” means having the authority to finance, build, operate, or maintain the facility (see 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(20)).

(3) Are owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“owned” means having the authority to finance, build, operate, or maintain the facility (See 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(20)).

(4) Were constructed or reconstructed with funds from the Highway Trust Fund under the Indian reservation roads program since 1983.

(5) Are public roads or bridges within the exterior boundary of Indian reservations, Alaska Native villages, and other recognized Indian communities (including communities in former Indian reservations in the State of Oklahoma) in which the majority of residents are American Indians or Alaska Natives.

(6) Are public roads within or providing access to either:

(i) An Indian reservation or Tribal trust land or restricted Tribal land that is not subject to fee title alienation without the approval of the Federal Government; or

(ii) Indian or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities whose residents include Indians and Alaska Natives whom the Secretary has determined are eligible for services generally available to Indians under Federal laws applicable to Indians.

(7) Are primary access routes requested by Tribal governments for inclusion in the NTTFI, including roads between villages, roads to landfills, roads to drinking water sources, roads to natural resources identified for economic development, and roads that provide access to intermodal terminals, such as airports, harbors, or boat landings.

Note:

The Secretaries are not precluded from including additional eligible transportation facilities into the NTTFI if such additional facilities are included in a uniform and consistent manner.

Population adjustment factor means a special portion of the former Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) Program distribution formula that was calculated annually and provided for broader participation in the IRR Program.

Preventive maintenance means the planned strategy of cost effective treatments to an existing roadway system and its appurtenances that preserve the system, impede future deterioration, and maintain or improve the functional condition of the system without increasing structural capacity. Eligible activities should address the aging, oxidation, surface deterioration, and normal wear and tear of the facility caused by day-to-day performance and environmental conditions. In addition, the treatments should extend the service life of the roadway asset or facility to at least achieve the design life of the facility.

Primary access route means a route that is the shortest practicable route connecting two points.

Program means any program, function, service, activity, or portion thereof.

Program agreement means an agreement between the Tribe and Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs or the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, or their respective designees, that transfer all but the inherently Federal program functions, services and activities of the Tribal Transportation Program to the Tribe. The provisions of 23 U.S.C. 202 (b)(7)(E) apply only to those program agreements entered into by the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.

Project planning means project-related activities that precede the design phase of a transportation project. Examples of these activities are: Collecting data on traffic, accidents, or functional, safety or structural deficiencies; corridor studies; conceptual studies, environmental studies; geotechnical studies; archaeological studies; project scoping; public hearings; location analysis; preparing applications for permits and clearances; and meetings with facility owners and transportation officials.

Proposed road or facility means any road or facility, including a primary access route, that will serve public transportation needs, meets the eligibility requirements of the TTP, and does not currently exist.

Public authority as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(20) means a Federal, State, county, town, or township, Indian Tribe, municipal, or other local government or instrumentality with authority to finance, build, operate, or maintain toll or toll-free facilities.

Public road means any road or street under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority and open to public travel.

Real property means any interest in land together with the improvements, structures, fixtures and appurtenances.

Regionally significant project means a project (other than projects that may be grouped in the STIP/TTIP under 23 CFR 450) that:

(1) Is on a facility which serves regional transportation needs (such as access to and from the area outside of the region, major activity centers in the region, major planned developments such as new retail malls, sports complexes, etc., or transportation terminals as well as most terminals themselves); and

(2) Would normally be included in the modeling of a metropolitan area's transportation network, including, as a minimum, all principal arterial highways and all fixed guideway transit facilities that offer a significant alternative to regional highway travel.

Rehabilitation means the work required to restore the structural integrity of transportation facilities as well as work necessary to correct safety defects.

Relative need distribution factor means a mathematical formula used for distributing construction funds under the former IRR Program.

Relocation means the adjustment of transportation facilities and utilities required by a highway project. It includes removing and reinstalling the facility, including necessary temporary facilities; acquiring necessary right-of-way on the new location; moving, rearranging or changing the type of existing facilities; and taking any necessary safety and protective measures. It also means constructing a replacement facility that is both functionally equivalent to the existing facility and necessary for continuous operation of the utility service, the project economy, or sequence of highway construction.

Relocation services means payment and assistance authorized by the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisitions Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq., as amended.

Rest area means an area or site established and maintained within or adjacent to the highway right-of-way or under public supervision or control for the convenience of the traveling public.

Seasonal transportation route means a non-recreational transportation route in the NTTFI such as snowmobile trails, ice roads, and overland winter roads that provide access to Indian communities or villages and may not be open for year-round use.

Secretaries means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation or designees authorized to act on their behalf.

Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior or a designee authorized to act on the Secretary's behalf.

Secretary of Transportation means the Secretary of Transportation or a designee authorized to act on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation.

State Transportation Department as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101 (a)(28) means that department, commission, board, or official of any State charged by its laws with the responsibility for highway construction.

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program or STIP means a financially constrained, multi-year list of projects developed under 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135, and 49 U.S.C. 5303-5305. The Secretary of Transportation reviews and approves the STIP for each State.

Strip map means a graphic representation of a section of road or other transportation facility being added to or modified in the NTTFI. Each strip map clearly: identifies the facility's location with respect to State, county, Tribal, and congressional boundaries; defines the overall dimensions of the facility (including latitude and longitude); includes a north arrow, scale, designation of road sections, traffic counter locations, and other nearby transportation facilities; and includes a table that provides the facility's data information needed for the NTTFI.

Transit means services, equipment, and functions associated with the public movement of people served within a community or network of communities provided by a Tribe or other public authority using Federal funds.

Transportation planning means developing land use, economic development, traffic demand, public safety, health and social strategies to meet transportation current and future needs.

Tribal road system means the Tribally owned roads under the NTTFI. For the purposes of fund distribution as defined in 23 U.S.C. 202(b), the Tribal road system includes only those existing and proposed facilities that are approved and included in the NTTFI as of fiscal year 2012.

Tribal transit program means the planning, administration, acquisition, and operation and maintenance of a system associated with the public movement of people served within a community or network of communities on or near Tribal lands.

Tribal Transportation Program ( or TTP) means a program established in Section 1119 of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), Pub. L. 112-141 (July 6, 2012), and codified in 23 U.S.C. 201 and 202 to address transportation needs of Tribes. This program was continued under Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), Pub. L. 114-94 (Dec. 4, 2015).

Tribal transportation facility means a public highway, road, bridge, trail, transit system, or other approved facility that is located on or provides access to Tribal land and appears on the NTTFI described in 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(1).

Tribe or Indian Tribe means any Tribe, nation, band, pueblo, rancheria, colony, or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined or established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, that is federally recognized by the U.S. government for special programs and services provided by the Secretary to Indians because of their status as Indians.

TTIP means Tribal Transportation Improvement Program. It is a multi-year list of proposed transportation projects developed by a Tribe from the Tribal priority list or the long-range transportation plan.

TTP Eligible Transportation Facility means any of the following:

(1) Road systems and related road appurtenances such as signs, traffic signals, pavement striping, trail markers, guardrails, etc;

(2) Highway bridges and drainage structures;

(3) Boardwalks and Board roads;

(4) Adjacent parking areas;

(5) Maintenance yards;

(6) Operations and maintenance of transit programs and facilities;

(7) System public pedestrian walkways, paths, bike and other trails;

(8) Motorized vehicle trails;

(9) Public access roads to heliports and airports;

(10) Seasonal transportation routes;

(11) BIA and Tribal post-secondary school roads and parking lots built with TTP funds;

(12) Public ferry boats and boat ramps; and

(13) Additional facilities as approved by BIA and FHWA.

TTP formula funds means the pool of funds made available to Tribes under 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(3).

TTP funds means the funds authorized under 23 U.S.C. 201 and 202.

TTP planning funds means funds referenced in 23 U.S.C. 202(c)(1).

TTP Program Management and Oversight (PM&O) funds means those funds authorized by 23 U.S.C 202(a)(6) to pay the cost of carrying out inherently Federal program management and oversight, and project-related administrative expenses activities.

TTP System means all of the facilities eligible for inclusion in the NTTFI.

TTPTIP means Tribal Transportation Program Transportation Improvement Program. It is a financially constrained prioritized list of transportation projects and activities eligible for TTP funding covering a period of four years that is developed by BIA and FHWA based on each Tribe's submission of their TTIP or Tribal priority list. It is required for projects and activities to be eligible for funding under title 23 U.S.C. and title 49 U.S.C. chapter 53. The Secretary of Transportation reviews and approves the TTPTIP and distributes copies to each State for inclusion in their respective STIPs without further action.

§ 170.6 Acronyms.

AASHTO—American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

ADR—Alternate dispute resolution

ANCSA—Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

BIA—Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior.

BIADOT—Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Services—Division of Transportation—Central Office.

CFR—Code of Federal Regulations.

DOI—Department of the Interior.

DOT—Department of Transportation.

FHWA—Federal Highway Administration, Department of Transportation.

FTA—Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation.

ISDEAA—Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, Public Law 93-638, as amended.

LRTP—Long-range transportation plan.

MUTCD—Manual of Uniform Traffic Safety Devices

NBTI—National Bridge and Tunnel Inventory.

NEPA—National Environmental Policy Act

NTTFI—National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory.

PM&O—Program management and oversight.

PS&E—Plans, specifications and estimates

STIP—Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.

TTAC—Tribal Technical Assistance Center

TTIP—Tribal Transportation Improvement Program.

TTP—Tribal Transportation Program.

TTP-S—TTP—Safety

TTPTIP—Tribal Transportation Program Transportation Improvement Program.

U.S.C.—United States Code

§ 170.7 Information collection.

The information collection requirements contained in this part have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. et seq. and assigned control number 1076-0161. A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Comments and suggestions on the burden estimate or any other aspect of the information collection should be sent to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240.

§ 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.

Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 170 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 to Subpart B of Part 170 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)

Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 170 Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 170—Cultural Resource and Environmental Requirements for the TTP

All BIA, FHWA, and Tribal work for the TTP must comply with cultural resource and environmental requirements under applicable Federal laws and regulations, including, but not limited to:

1. 16 U.S.C. 1531, Endangered Species Act.

2. 16 U.S.C. 4601, Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (Section 6(f)).

3. 16 U.S.C. 661-667d, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.

4. 23 U.S.C. 138, Preservation of Parklands, commonly referred to as 4(f).

5. 25 U.S.C. 3001-3013, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

6. 33 U.S.C. 1251, Federal Water Pollution Control Act and Clean Water Act.

7. 42 U.S.C. 7401, Clean Air Act.

8. 42 U.S.C. 4321, National Environmental Policy Act.

9. 49 U.S.C. 303, Preservation of Parklands.

10. 7 U.S.C. 4201, Farmland Protection Policy Act.

11. 50 CFR part 402, Endangered Species Act regulations.

12. 7 CFR part 658, Farmland Protection Policy Act regulations.

13. 40 CFR part 93, Air Quality Conformity and Priority Procedures for use in Federal-aid Highway and Federally-Funded Transit Programs.

14. 23 CFR part 771, Environmental Impact and Related Procedures.

15. 23 CFR part 772, Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noises and Construction Noises.

16. 23 CFR part 777, Mitigation of Impacts To Wetlands and Natural Habitat.

17. 36 CFR part 800, Protection of Historic Properties.

18. 40 CFR parts 260-271, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations.

19. Applicable Tribal/State laws.

20. Other applicable Federal laws and regulations.

Appendix B to Subpart D of Part 170 Appendix B to Subpart D of Part 170—Design Standards for the TTP

Depending on the nature of the project, Tribes must use the latest edition of the following design standards, as applicable. Additional standards may also apply. In addition, Tribes may develop design standards that meet or exceed the standards listed in this appendix. To the extent that any provisions of these standards are inconsistent with ISDEAA, these provisions do not apply.

1. AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.

2. AASHTO A Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design.

3. AASHTO Roadside Design Guide.

4. AASHTO Guide for Selecting, Locating and Designing Traffic Barriers.

5. AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges.

6. AASHTO Guidelines of Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads (ADT less than or equal to 400).

7. FHWA Federal Lands Highway, Project Development and Design Manual.

8. FHWA Flexibility in Highway Design.

9. FHWA Roadside Improvements for Local Road and Streets.

10. FHWA Improving Guardrail Installations and Local Roads and Streets.

11. 23 CFR part 625, Design Standards for Highways.

12. 23 CFR part 630, Preconstruction Procedures.

13. 23 CFR part 633, Required Contract Provisions.

14. 23 CFR part 635, Construction and Maintenance.

15. 23 CFR part 645, Utilities.

16. 23 CFR part 646, Railroads.

17. 23 U.S.C. 106, PS&E.

18. 23 U.S.C. 109, Standards.

19. DOT Metric Conversion Plan, October 31, 1991.

20. MUTCD Manual of Uniform Traffic Safety Devices.

21. Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects.

22. FHWA-approved State standards.

23. FHWA-approved Tribal design standards.

Appendix to Subpart E of Part 170 Appendix to Subpart E of Part 170—List of Program Functions That Cannot Be Subcontracted

Per § 170.612, program functions cannot be included in self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, Program Agreements, or other agreements. Program functions include all of the following:

(a) TTP project-related pre-contracting activities:

(1) Notifying Tribes of available funding including the right of first refusal; and

(2) Providing technical assistance.

(b) TTP project-related contracting activities:

(1) Providing technical assistance;

(2) Reviewing all scopes of work under 25 CFR 900.122;

(3) Evaluating proposals and making declination decisions, if warranted;

(4) Performing declination activities;

(5) Negotiating and entering into contracts or agreements with State, Tribal, and local governments and other Federal agencies;

(6) Processing progress payments or contract payments;

(7) Approving contract modifications;

(8) Processing claims and disputes with Tribal governments; and

(9) Closing out contracts or agreements.

(c) Planning activities:

(1) Reviewing and approving TTPTIPs developed by Tribes or other contractors; and

(2) Reviewing and approving TTP LRTPs developed by Tribes or other contractors.

(d) Environmental and historical preservation activities:

(1) Reviewing and approving all items required for environmental compliance; and

(2) Reviewing and approving all items required for archaeological compliance.

(e) Processing rights-of-way:

(1) Reviewing rights-of-way applications and certifications;

(2) Approving rights-of-way documents;

(3) Processing grants and acquisition of rights-of-way requests for Tribal trust and allotted lands under 25 CFR part 169;

(4) Responding to information requests;

(5) Reviewing and approving documents attesting that a project was constructed entirely within a right-of-way granted by BIA; and

(6) Performing custodial functions related to storing rights-of-way documents.

(f) Conducting project development and design under 25 CFR 900.131:

(1) Participating in the plan-in-hand reviews on behalf of BIA as facility owner;

(2) Reviewing and/or approving PS&E for health and safety assurance on behalf of BIA as facility owner;

(3) Reviewing PS&E to assure compliance with NEPA as well as all other applicable Federal laws; and

(4) Reviewing PS&E to assure compliance with or exceeding Federal standards for TTP design and construction.

(g) Construction:

(1) Making application for clean air/clean water permits as facility owner;

(2) Ensuring that all required State/tribal/Federal permits are obtained;

(3) Performing quality assurance activities;

(4) Conducting value engineering activities as facility owner;

(5) Negotiating with contractors on behalf of the Federal Government;

(6) Approving contract modifications/change orders;

(7) Conducting periodic site visits;

(8) Performing all Federal Government-required project-related activities contained in the contract documents and required by 25 CFR parts 900 and 1000;

(9) Conducting activities to assure compliance with safety plans as a jurisdictional responsibility hazardous materials, traffic control, OSHA, etc.;

(10) Participating in final inspection and acceptance of project documents or as-built drawings on behalf of BIA as facility owner; and

(11) Reviewing project closeout activities and reports.

(h) Other activities:

(1) Performing other non-contractible required TTP project activities contained in this part, ISDEAA and part 1000; and

(2) Other title 23 non-project-related management activities.

(i) BIADOT program management:

(1) Developing budget on needs for the TTP;

(2) Developing legislative proposals;

(3) Coordinating legislative activities;

(4) Developing and issuing regulations;

(5) Developing and issuing TTP planning, design, and construction standards;

(6) Developing/revising interagency agreements;

(7) Developing and approving TTP stewardship agreements in conjunction with FHWA;

(8) Developing annual TTP obligation and TTP accomplishments reports;

(9) Developing reports on TTP project expenditures and performance measures for the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA);

(10) Responding to/maintaining data for congressional inquiries;

(11) Developing and maintaining the funding formula and its database;

(12) Allocating TTP and other transportation funding;

(13) Providing technical assistance to Tribes/Consortiums/tribal organizations/agencies/regions;

(14) Providing national program leadership for other Federal transportation related programs including: Transportation Alternatives Program, Tribal Transportation Assistance Program, Recreational Travel and Tourism, Transit Programs, ERFO Program, and Presidential initiatives;

(15) Participating in and supporting Tribal transportation association meetings;

(16) Coordinating with and monitoring Indian Local Technical Assistance Program centers;

(17) Planning, coordinating, and conducting BIA/tribal training;

(18) Developing information management systems to support consistency in data format, use, etc., with the Secretary of Transportation for the TTP;

(19) Participating in special transportation related workgroups, special projects, task forces and meetings as requested by Tribes;

(20) Participating in national, regional, and local transportation organizations;

(21) Participating in and supporting FHWA Coordinated Technology Implementation program;

(22) Participating in national and regional TTP meetings;

(23) Consulting with Tribes on non-project related TTP issues;

(24) Participating in TTP, process, and product reviews;

(25) Developing and approving national indefinite quantity service contracts;

(26) Assisting and supporting the TTP Coordinating Committee;

(27) Processing TTP bridge program projects and other discretionary funding applications or proposals from Tribes;

(28) Coordinating with FHWA;

(29) Performing stewardship of the TTP;

(30) Performing oversight of the TTP and its funded activities;

(31) Performing any other non-contractible TTP activity included in this part; and

(32) Determining eligibility of new uses of TTP funds.

(j) BIADOT Planning:

(1) Maintaining the official TTP inventory;

(2) Reviewing LRTPs;

(3) Reviewing and approving TTPTIPs;

(4) Maintaining nationwide inventory of TTP strip and atlas maps;

(5) Coordinating with Tribal/State/regional/local governments;

(6) Developing and issuing procedures for management systems;

(7) Distributing approved TTPTIPs to BIA regions;

(8) Coordinating with other Federal agencies as applicable;

(9) Coordinating and processing the funding and repair of damaged tribal roads with FHWA;

(10) Calculating and distributing TTP transportation planning funds to BIA regions;

(11) Reprogramming unused TTP transportation planning funds at the end of the fiscal year;

(12) Monitoring the nationwide obligation of TTP transportation planning funds;

(13) Providing technical assistance and training to BIA regions and Tribes;

(14) Approving atlas maps;

(15) Reviewing TTP inventory information for quality assurance; and

(16) Advising BIA regions and Tribes of transportation funding opportunities.

(k) BIADOT engineering:

(1) Participating in the development of design/construction standards with FHWA;

(2) Developing and approving design/construction/maintenance standards;

(3) Conducting TTP/product reviews; and

(4) Developing and issuing technical criteria for management systems.

(l) BIADOT responsibilities for bridges:

(1) Maintaining the National Bridge Inventory information/database for BIA bridges;

(2) Conducting quality assurance of the bridge inspection program;

(3) Reviewing and processing TTP Bridge Program applications;

(4) Participating in second level review of TTP bridge PS&E; and

(5) Developing criteria for bridge management systems.

(m) BIADOT responsibilities to perform other non-contractible required TTP activities contained in this part.

(n) BIA regional offices program management:

(1) Designating TTP System roads;

(2) Notifying Tribes of available funding;

(3) Developing STIPs;

(4) Providing FHWA-approved TTPTIPs to Tribes;

(5) Providing technical assistance to Tribes/Consortiums/tribal organizations/agencies;

(6) Funding common services as provided as part of the region/agency/BIA Division of Transportation TTP costs;

(7) Processing and investigating non-project related tort claims;

(8) Preparing budgets for BIA regional and agency TTP activities;

(9) Developing/revising interagency agreements;

(10) Developing control schedules/transportation improvement programs;

(11) Developing regional TTP stewardship agreements;

(12) Developing quarterly/annual TTP obligation and program accomplishments reports;

(13) Developing reports on TTP project expenditures and performance measures for Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA);

(14) Responding to/maintaining data for congressional inquiries;

(15) Participating in Indian transportation association meetings;

(16) Participating in Indian Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) meetings and workshops;

(17) Participating in BIA/tribal training development highway safety, work zone safety, etc.;

(18) Participating in special workgroups, task forces, and meetings as requested by Tribes and BIA region/agency personnel;

(19) Participating in national, regional, or local transportation organizations meetings and workshops;

(20) Reviewing Coordinated Technology Implementation Program project proposals;

(21) Consulting with Tribal governments on non-project related program issues;

(22) Funding costs for common services as provided as part of BIA TTP region/agency/contracting support costs;

(23) Reviewing TTP atlas maps;

(24) Processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests;

(25) Monitoring the obligation and expenditure of all TTP funds allocated to the BIA Region;

(26) Performing activities related to the application for ERFO funds, administration, and oversight of the funds; and

(27) Participating in TTP, process, and product reviews.

(o) BIA regional offices' planning:

(1) Coordinating with Tribal/State/regional/local government;

(2) Coordinating and processing the funding and repair of damaged Tribal Transportation Facility roads with Tribes;

(3) Reviewing and approving TTP inventory data;

(4) Maintaining, reviewing, and approving the management systems databases;

(5) Reviewing and approving STIPs; and

(6) Performing Federal responsibilities identified in the TTP Transportation Planning Procedures and Guidelines manual.

(p) BIA regional offices' engineering:

(1) Approving Tribal standards for TTP use;

(2) Developing and implementing new engineering techniques in the TTP; and

(3) Providing technical assistance.

(q) BIA regional offices' responsibilities for bridges:

(1) Reviewing and processing TTP Bridge Program applications;

(2) Reviewing and processing TTP bridge inspection reports and information; and

(3) Ensuring the safe use of roads and bridges.

(r) BIA regional offices' other responsibilities for performing other non-contractible required TTP activities contained in this part.

Appendix to Subpart G of Part 170 Appendix to Subpart G of Part 170—List of Eligible Maintenance Activities Under the Tribal Transportation Programf

The following maintenance activities are eligible for funding under the TTP. The list is not all-inclusive.

1. Cleaning and repairing ditches and culverts.

2. Stabilizing, removing, and controlling slides, drift sand, mud, ice, snow, and other impediments.

3. Adding additional culverts to prevent roadway and adjoining property damage.

4. Repairing, replacing or installing traffic control devices, guardrails and other features necessary to control traffic and protect the road and the traveling public.

5. Removing roadway hazards.

6. Repairing or developing stable road embankments.

7. Repairing parking facilities and appurtenances such as striping, lights, curbs, etc.

8. Repairing transit facilities and appurtenances such as bus shelters, striping, sidewalks, etc.

9. Training maintenance personnel.

10. Administering the BIA transportation facility maintenance program.

11. Performing environmental/archeological mitigation associated with transportation facility maintenance.

12. Leasing, renting, or purchasing of maintenance equipment.

13. Paying utilities cost for roadway lighting and traffic signals.

14. Purchasing maintenance materials.

15. Developing, implementing, and maintaining a BIA Transportation Facility Maintenance Management System (TFMMS).

16. Performing pavement maintenance such as pot hole patching, crack sealing, chip sealing, surface rejuvenation, and thin overlays (less than 1 inch).

17. Performing erosion control.

18. Controlling roadway dust.

19. Re-graveling roads.

20. Controlling vegetation through mowing, noxious weed control, trimming, etc.

21. Making bridge repairs.

22. Paying the cost of closing transportation facilities due to safety or other concerns.

23. Maintaining airport runways, heliport pads, and their public access roads.

24. Maintaining and operating BIA public ferry boats.

25. Making highway alignment changes for safety reasons. These changes require prior notice to the Secretary.

26. Making temporary highway alignment or relocation changes for emergency reasons.

27. Maintaining other TTP intermodal transportation facilities provided that there is a properly executed agreement with the owning public authority within available funding.

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 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).

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 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.

§ 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 Federal Register .

(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.

§ 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.

§ 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.