Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe to receive grant under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of $130.5 million investment package for seven projects of national significance

FHWA 24f-23
Contact: FHWA.PressOffice@dot.gov
Tel: (202) 366-0660

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced the award of $11.9 million to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada for construction of the Wadsworth Bypass Road (Indian Route 35), a new road that will help convey highway traffic away from residential areas within the community of Wadsworth. The project will improve travel conditions and access to Interstate 80, reduce traffic congestion and increase safety on a route that supports both gold and silver mining interests as well as provides access to the annual Burning Man festival which draws thousands of visitors each year.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are delivering infrastructure improvements on Federal and Tribal lands that communities have needed for decades,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With today’s announcement, we’re making it easier for Americans to access some of our greatest natural wonders, and improving road safety in Tribal communities, which face some of the highest rates of traffic deaths in the nation.”

The project is one of seven to receive federal grants totaling $130.5 million under FHWA’s Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Projects Program. The grants announced today – which recognize transportation projects of national significance that serve Federal and Tribal lands – are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild our infrastructure and deliver big wins for the American people.

“With this grant that is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re helping to deliver safe and reliable transportation investments that are critical for Nevada’s Tribal communities,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “This project will make much-needed safety improvements to separate highway and local traffic, which will improve safety for residents of Wadsworth and reduce congestion for those traveling to popular destinations throughout the region.”

In addition to the grants announced today, FHWA also opened applications for the next round of funding under the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Projects Program. More information about the availability of $88 million in FY 2023 funds can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Information on how to apply is available at Grants.gov.

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