Tribal communities are vulnerable by unsafe and often inaccessible roads, bridges and ferries. There are aging and unsafe bridges that are used for economic development for Tribal nations and to transport children to school that are in need of improvement. Failing infrastructure is not only inconvenient but causes financial constraints on our families. Since our infrastructure is our economic foundation it is beneficial that we improve it to allow for increase in our gross domestic product, jobs and our connections with our international markets. When we observe our infrastructure we understand that most of our problem is hidden and we don't notice it until it is inoperable. When we focus our attention on solutions our infrastructure will improve.

The TTP Bridge Program is focused on improving the number of TTP bridges in poor condition. This information has been created to assist our partners working to improve the condition of BIA/Tribally owned bridges and non-BIA/Tribally owned bridges.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes may submit an application at any time for eligible TTP bridges for planning, design, engineering, preconstruction, construction, and inspection of new or replacement bridges; replace, rehabilitate, seismically retrofit, paint, apply calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and deicing composition; or implement any countermeasure for TTP bridges classified as in poor condition, having a low load capacity, or needing highway geometric improvements, including multiple-pipe culverts.

• Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge Program - Final Rule    Link to Final Rule Webinar
• TTF Bridge Certification Checklist 2024- FHWA Tribes.pdf (112.02 KB)
• TTF Bridge Application Checklist Update - FHWA Tribes.pdf (188.95 KB)
• TTFBP Update 3.13.24.pdf (3.42 MB)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)

On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Public Law 117-58, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ) into law. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and economy in our Nation s history. It provides $550 billion over fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in new Federal investment in infrastructure, including in roads, bridges, and mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience, and broadband.

• FHWA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Information
• TTP Bridge Presentation
• TTP Bridge Q&A

Resources for Preparing a TTP Bridge Program Application

Any time during the year, in accordance with 23 CFR 661.25, the Tribe can submit an application package for preliminary engineering (PE) and/or Construction funding.

• TTP Bridge Application Flowchart
• FY 2023 Funded TTP Bridge Projects
• See FHWA Program Delivery Guide   Chapter XIII, Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) - Bridge Program
• TTP Bridge Update - BIA Providers Conference

Additional Resources

• Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachments on Flood Plains
• Bridge Hydraulic Publications