[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 215 (Monday, November 7, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78456-78491]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26141]



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Vol. 81

Monday,

No. 215

November 7, 2016

Part V





Department of Interior





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Bureau of Indian Affairs





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25 CFR Part 170





Tribal Transportation Program; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 215 / Monday, November 7, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Indian Affairs

25 CFR Part 170

[No. BIA-2014-0005; 167A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900 253G]
RIN 1076-AF19


Tribal Transportation Program

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule updates the Tribal Transportation Program 
regulations (formerly the Indian Reservation Roads Program) to comply 
with statutory updates. The Tribal Transportation Program is a program 
to address the surface transportation needs of Tribes. This rule 
reflects statutory changes in the delivery options for the program, 
clarifies the requirements for proposed roads and access roads to be 
added to, or remain in, the inventory, revises certain sections that 
were provided for informational purposes, and makes technical 
corrections.

DATES: This rule is effective December 7, 2016. Compliance with Sec.  
170.443 for proposed roads currently in the NTTFI to remain in the 
inventory is required by November 7, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LeRoy Gishi, Division of 
Transportation, Office of Indian Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
(202) 513-7711, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Executive Summary of Rule
II. Background
III. Responses to Comments Received on the Proposed Rule
IV. Summary of Revisions to the Regulations
V. Procedural Requirements

I. Executive Summary of Rule

    This final rule revises 25 CFR part 170 to:
     Comply with legislation governing the Tribal 
Transportation Program (TTP);
     Reflect changes in the delivery options for the TTP that 
are available to Tribal governments;
     Make technical corrections to clarify program-related 
responsibilities and requirements for Tribal governments, the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA);
     Clarify the requirements for proposed roads and access 
roads to be added to, or remain in, the National Tribal Transportation 
Facility Inventory (NTTFI), which was formerly known as the Indian 
Reservation Roads Inventory; and
     Revise certain sections of the current rule that were 
provided for informational purposes by removing certain sections that 
are no longer required by statute and adding information to direct the 
reader to BIA or FHWA Web sites where additional information is 
available.
    On December 19, 2014, BIA and FHWA published a proposed rule for 25 
CFR part 170 and then conducted Tribal consultation sessions at six 
locations throughout the country during January and February of 2015. 
See 79 FR 76192. Written comments on the Proposed Rule were accepted at 
the consultations as well as by email and mail through March 20, 2015. 
Before publishing the proposed rule, BIA and FHWA distributed draft 
revisions of 25 CFR part 170 to Tribes and published a notice of 
consultations on the draft revisions. These consultations were 
conducted at three locations in May of 2013. See 78 FR 21861 (April 12, 
2013).

II. Background

What is the Tribal Transportation Program (TTP)?

    The Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) was known as the Indian 
Reservation Roads (IRR) Program until Congress changed the name to the 
Tribal Transportation Program (TTP). The TTP is authorized as part of 
the Federal Lands Highway Program under Chapter 2 of Title 23, to 
address the surface transportation needs of Tribes.

Who administers the TTP?

    The program is jointly administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs 
(BIA) and FHWA Office of Federal Lands Highway (FLH). The TTP is 
managed under a memorandum of agreement between FHWA and BIA that was 
established in 1983, and amended in 1992. A ``National Business Plan'' 
will replace both the current memorandum of agreement, as amended, and 
the Stewardship Plan that was established in 1996.

How was the TTP established?

    The TTP's predecessor program, the IRR Program, was established on 
May 26, 1928. See 45 Stat. 750, 25 U.S.C. 318(a). The statute 
authorized the Secretary of Agriculture (which had responsibility for 
Federal roads at that time) to cooperate with State highway agencies 
and DOI to survey, construct, reconstruct, and maintain Indian 
reservation roads serving Tribal lands. In 1982, Congress created the 
Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP) under the Surface Transportation 
Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), Pub. L. 97-424. The FLHP is a 
coordinated program that addresses access needs to and within Indian 
and other Federal lands, and the TTP continues as a funding category of 
this program. STAA also expanded the IRR system, as it was then known, 
to include Tribally-owned public roads as well as state and county-
owned roads.
    STAA was followed in 1987 by the Surface Transportation Uniform 
Relocation Assistance Act (STURAA). See Pub. L. 100-17. In 1991, 
Congress enacted the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 
(ISTEA), which authorized 2 percent of program funds to be used for 
transportation planning. See Pub. L. 102-240. ISTEA also established 
Indian Local Technical Assistance Program (Indian LTAP) Centers, which 
are now known as Tribal Technical Assistance Centers (TTACs).
    ISTEA was followed by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
Century (TEA-21), which was signed into law in 1998. See Public Law 
105-178. TEA-21 authorized $1.6 billion of Federal Highway Trust funds 
for the IRR Program from Fiscal Years 1998 to 2003, and provided that 
Tribal governments could request to enter into contracts or agreements 
under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
(ISDEAA), Public Law 93-638, as amended, for IRR Program roads and 
bridges. TEA-21 also established the Indian Reservation Roads Bridge 
Program (IRRBP), at 23 U.S.C. 202(d)(3)(B), under which a minimum of 
$13 million of IRR Program funds were set aside for a nationwide 
priority program for improving deficient IRR bridges. On May 8, 2003, 
the FHWA published a final rule for the IRRBP that has since been 
amended and is found at 23 CFR part 661. TEA-21 also directed the 
Secretary of the Interior to establish a negotiated rulemaking 
committee to develop regulations governing the IRR program along with a 
formula for the distribution of IRR Program funds. Interior established 
the negotiated rulemaking committee and published the Final Rule on 
July 19, 2004 at 25 CFR part 170. See 69 FR 43090. Since that rule was 
published, Congress has enacted three statutory updates that affect the 
TTP, including changing the name of the program from the IRR Program to 
the TTP. The final rule published today reflects regulatory changes 
necessary to implement those statutory updates.

What is the purpose of the TTP?

    The purpose of the TTP is to provide safe and adequate 
transportation and public roads that are within, or provide

[[Page 78457]]

access to, Tribal land, or are associated with a Tribal government, 
visitors, recreational users, resource users, and others, while 
contributing to economic development, self-determination, and 
employment of Indians and Alaska Natives. As of October 2015, the NTTFI 
consisted of approximately 47,900 miles of BIA and Tribally-owned 
public roads, 101,300 miles of State, county, and local government 
public roads, and 12,500 miles of proposed roads.

How is the TTP funded?

    The TTP is authorized under 23 U.S.C. 202 and receives its funding 
through the Department of Transportation's annual appropriations act. 
BIA and FHWA jointly administer the distribution of TTP funds as 
directed under 23 U.S.C. 202(b) and other applicable laws and 
regulations.

What statutory updates does this final rule address?

    This final rule addresses updates from three statutes:
     The Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient 
Transportation Equity Act--A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Public Law 
100-59 (August 10, 2005);
     Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-
21), Public Law 112-141 (July 6, 2012); and
     The ``Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST 
Act), Public Law 114-94 (December 4, 2015), which became effective, 
retroactive to October 1, 2015.
    A year after Interior published its 2004 final rule, Congress 
enacted the SAFETEA-LU, which effectively amended certain provisions of 
the regulations, but the regulations have not been revised until today. 
Additionally, SAFETEA-LU for the first time authorized the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Secretary of the Interior (Secretaries) to enter 
into what are known today as ``Program Agreements'' that allow Tribes 
to carry out all but the inherently Federal functions of the TTP in 
accordance with the ISDEAA.
    MAP-21 struck the existing laws governing the IRR Program and 
established the TTP. See section 1119, Public Law 112-141, (striking 
the IRR Program from 23 U.S.C. 201-204, and establishing the TTP at 23 
U.S.C. 201 and 202). MAP-21 also created a new formula for distribution 
of TTP funds among Tribes, which had the effect of overriding the 
Relative Need Distribution Formula (RNDF) that was published in 2004 at 
25 CFR part 170, subpart C. See 23 U.S.C. 202 (b)(3). Although the RNDF 
is no longer used to directly determine Tribal share funding, certain 
historical aspects of the RNDF continue to be factors in the current 
TTP formula calculations. MAP-21 also identified how certain roads 
included in the NTTFI impact funding within the new formula. See 23 
U.S.C. 202 (b)(1). In addition, MAP-21 provided new definitions for 
terms utilized in the TTP. See section 1103, Public Law 112-141.
    The FAST Act kept the changes enacted by Congress under MAP-21, but 
added annual reporting requirements at 23 U.S.C. 201 (c)(6)(C). See 
section 1117, Public Law 114-94.The FAST Act also created the Tribal 
Transportation Self-Governance Program (TTSGP) at 23 U.S.C. 207, and 
directed the Secretary of Transportation to engage in negotiated 
rulemaking to develop regulations governing the TTSGP. See section 
1121, Public Law 114-94. Except for references to TTSGP as a 
contracting option, this rule does not address the TTSGP.

How did the Department handle public comments on the proposed rule?

    The proposed rule was published on December 19, 2014, and provided 
for a 120-day comment period through March 20, 2015. The Department 
received electronic and written comments and posted them on its Web 
site at www.regulations.gov. We received many comments at Tribal 
consultation sessions and received 21 written comment submissions 
during the public comment period. Most comment submissions contained 
more than one comment on a variety of issues in the proposed rule. The 
written comment submissions and transcripts of the consultation 
meetings are available at www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/BIA/OIS/Transportation.
    The Federal workgroup either accepted comments, accepted comments 
with modification(s), or rejected comments. This preamble includes a 
discussion of the changes from the proposed rule to this final rule 
that were a result of major substantive public comments received on the 
proposed rule.
    Some commenters made recommendations for changes that were not 
accepted or not acted upon for various reasons (such as requests for 
unnecessary detail, unclear requests, requests or comments that were 
unresponsive to the proposed rule or comments that were beyond the 
scope of the rule). Some commenters made statements of opinion or 
position, but requested or indicated no changes. Several commenters 
discussed issues that were the responsibility of other government 
entities and were therefore beyond the authority of the Secretary of 
the Interior to change. We did not adopt these changes. Some commenters 
requested modifications that required additional statutory authority or 
modifications to the statutory funding formula for the TTP and their 
comments could not be adopted. A few commenters made suggestions for 
grammatical changes which were accepted.
    In addition to changes based on public comments, DOI reviewed the 
rule for legal and policy issues and edited the rule for clarity, 
conciseness, and Federal Register format. Some sections were combined 
or rearranged and others were revised under Departmental or Federal 
Register requirements. Where questions and answers were found not to be 
entirely consistent in language, we revised them for consistency.

What other changes does the final rule make?

    Beyond the changes discussed above, the final rule carries forward 
changes included in the proposed rule to reflect MAP-21's new, 
statutory funding formula for the TTP that replaced the funding formula 
developed through negotiated rulemaking (and included in 25 CFR part 
170, dated July 19, 2004). MAP-21 established a four-year transition 
into the statutory formula beginning with Fiscal Year 2013 through 
Fiscal Year 2016. The FAST Act did not change the funding formula 
established by MAP-21, so the formula used to allocate TTP funds for 
Fiscal Year 2016 will be applied in future years, as well.
    Additionally, the final rule reflects the FAST Act's new Tribal 
reporting requirements involving TTP obligations and expenditures, 
descriptions and status information of projects and activities that are 
being undertaken, and number of jobs created or retained by those 
projects and activities.
    We also made editorial and substantive changes to clarify or 
correct omissions in the proposed rule. These include responding to the 
many helpful written comments and discussions at the consultations 
citing the convenience of ``one-stop shopping'' for users of this part, 
so updated appendices have returned in the final rule.
    Changes were also made to subpart D--Transportation Improvement 
Programs, where we clarified the processes and requirements for 
submission and approval of a Tribal Transportation Improvement Program 
(TTIP).
    The final rule also adds section 170.240 to reflect the annual 
reporting requirements as required by 23 U.S.C. 201(c)(6)(C).

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III. Responses to Comments Received on the Proposed Rule

    The following summarizes and addresses the major, substantive 
comments received on each subpart of the proposed rule. In some 
instances, several commenters are represented as one comment--having 
made similar or identical comments. Grammatical changes, minor wording 
revisions, and other purely style-oriented comments are not discussed; 
however, changes to the final rule reflect such public comments. The 
section number references are to the final rule.

A. Subpart A--Policies, Applicability, and Definitions

    Comment: The rule should clarify and discuss in greater detail 
FHWA's expanded role in the TTP since the enactment of SAFETEA-LU in 
2005.
    Response: References to ``FHWA'' were added in many locations to 
better reflect the joint program management and oversight 
responsibility that FHWA shares with BIA for the TTP.
    Comment: Change the language in Sec.  170.2(e) from ``should'' to 
``shall'' or ``must,'' when referring to how the Secretaries interpret 
Federal laws or regulations to facilitate the inclusion of programs 
covered by this part or government-to-government agreements.
    Response: The language in Sec.  170.2(e) was adopted as part of the 
negotiated rulemaking and no change was made in the proposed or final 
rule. The Secretaries must interpret Federal laws or regulations 
liberally in favor of Tribes.
    Comment: A Tribe asked how the Secretary's policy facilitates 
Tribal planning, and asked what the contractible, non-inherently 
Federal administrative functions are.
    Response: The final rule reinserts appendix A to subpart E, which 
identifies the non-contractible functions of the TTP. The Department 
commits to future consultation with Tribes on how to refine this list 
of non-contractible functions.
    Comment: Add language referencing fiscal constraints of the TTP 
such as the phrase ``subject to available funding.''
    Response: All of the contracting methods available under the TTP, 
including the ISDEAA, Program Agreements, self-governance and other 
appropriate agreements, include the phrase ``subject to available 
funding'' or similar language referencing fiscal constraints. A 
definition for financial constraint or fiscal constraint was added to 
Sec.  170.5.
    Comment: Substitute the term ``transit facility'' for ``bus 
station'' in the definition of ``BIA Transit Facility.''
    Response: The final rule makes this change in the definition.
    Comment: The rule should specify how and which Federal 
transportation programs besides the TTP will require Tribal 
consultations.
    Response: No changes were made because this rule addresses only the 
TTP. FHWA and BIA must abide by Federal law, Executive Orders, and 
Departmental policies on Tribal consultations.
    Comment: Correct the statutory citation for the definition of 
``maintenance'' and define ``preventive maintenance'' to enhance 
principles of asset management.
    Response: We corrected the definition of ``maintenance'' and we 
added a definition for ``preventative maintenance.''
    Comment: Expand the definition of ``National Tribal Transportation 
Facility'' to reflect the full statutory definition.
    Response: This change was made and the definition now reflects the 
full statutory definition.
    Comment: Clarify the definitions of ``program agreement'' and 
``program management and oversight (PM&O) funds'' to reflect that a 
portion of ``program related administrative expenses'' (PRAE) may be 
made available to Tribes contracting for the TTP using program 
agreements.
    Response: The final rule clarifies the definition of ``program 
agreement'' along with Sec.  170.613, which refers to the source of 
funds used to pay for non-contractible, inherently Federal PM&O/PRAE 
activities.
    Comment: The change in the definition of ``access road'' was 
unnecessary, but if changes are to be made they should reflect the 
recommendation of the TTP Coordinating Committee.
    Response: The definition of ``access road'' was simplified, and 
Sec.  170.447 was added and reflects the TTP Coordinating Committee's 
unanimous recommendation, which was accepted by the Secretaries, on the 
allowable lengths for an access road that may be included in the NTTFI.
    Comment: Include a statutory citation supporting the authority for 
``other appropriate agreements'' within the definition of 
``agreement,'' with a clarification that ``other appropriate 
agreements'' are optional for Tribes and not mandatory under the TTP.
    Response: The final rule adds the requested citation to the 
definition of ``agreement,'' but the requested clarification is 
unnecessary because the TTP does not mandate use of a particular 
program delivery option among those available to Tribes.
    Comment: In addition to defining the term ``asset management,'' add 
the term ``preventative maintenance'' as well.
    Response: The final rule adds the definition of ``preventative 
maintenance.''
    Comment: The ``BIA system inventory'' should not be limited to the 
pre-2004 limitation on inclusion in the NTTFI.
    Response: No change was made because the definition reflects the 
statutory language established under MAP-21 and carried forward by the 
FAST Act.
    Comment: Substitute the phrase ``transit facility'' for the phrase 
``bus station'' because ``transit facility'' is less restrictive.
    Response: The final rule substitutes ``transit facility'' for ``bus 
station'' throughout the rule.
    Comment: The definition of ``constrained funding'' needs additional 
information discussing financially constrained Transportation 
Improvement Programs.
    Response: The final rule clarifies the definition of ``constrained 
funding'' and modifies Sec.  170.421 to include additional information.
    Comment: Clarify the definition of ``exterior boundaries'' at Sec.  
170.5 to correspond to boundaries established by other laws, or the 
laws and regulations governing other programs.
    Response: For purposes of the TTP, the final rule includes 
``exterior boundaries'' under the definition of ``access road.''
    Comment: Clarify the definition of ``consultation'' to be 
consistent with Federal directives and insure that Tribal consultation 
is meaningful and carried out before a proposed decision or policy is 
implemented.
    Response: The final rule moves the definition to Subpart B, Tribal 
Transportation Program Policy and Eligibility, under the subheading 
``Consultation, Collaboration, and Coordination,'' and clarifies the 
term at Sec.  170.100(a) with links to the Departments' Consultation 
Policies and Plans.
    Comment: Create a new definition for ``proposed primary access 
route,'' and add the statutory language referencing ``the shortest 
practicable distance between two points.''
    Response: The final rule adds a definition for primary access route 
and clarifies the definition of all proposed facilities.
    Comment: Add language tracking the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 
202(b)(1)(D)

[[Page 78459]]

regarding additional facilities that may be added to the NTTFI.
    Response: The final rule adds language referencing additional 
facilities so the final definition of ``National Tribal Transportation 
Facility Inventory (NTTFI)'' adheres to the statute.
    Comment: Provide more clarity in the definition of ``public road'' 
as to what roadways could be considered truly public rather than 
roadways that require a separate right-of-way.
    Response: No changes were made. The language in the rule tracks the 
definition of ``public road'' at 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(21). Other 
regulations address the requirements for right-of-ways on Tribal lands 
held in trust by the United States. See 25 CFR part 169.
    Comment: There should be additional limitations on inclusion of 
proposed roads in the NTTFI.
    Response: The final rule updates requirements for adding proposed 
roads to the NTTFI under Sec.  170.443, based upon recommendations by 
the TTPCC that were accepted by the Secretaries.

B. Subpart B--Tribal Transportation Program Policy and Eligibility

    Comment: The regulation should require States to consult with 
Tribal governments as part of the public comment process before 
submitting a State Transportation Improvement Program for approval by 
FHWA.
    Response: The statutory requirements for State-Tribal consultation 
for Statewide transportation planning and projects are referenced in 
Sec. Sec.  170.105 through 170.110.
    Comment: Modify the appendix to subpart B's list of eligible uses 
of TTP funds to allow for specific, additional eligible uses for the 
funds.
    Response: The appendix contains an extensive list of eligible uses 
of TTP funds, with directions that the list should be interpreted in a 
manner that permits, rather than prohibits, the proposed use of funds. 
Section 170.113 provides instructions for seeking Secretarial approval 
for additional uses of TTP funds.
    Comment: Add the requirements for approval of purchase construction 
equipment to the regulation.
    Response: The final rule adds Sec.  170.113(a) to address this 
comment.
    Comment: Include a reference in each section of the rule that 
discusses the availability of non-TTP funds to 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9), 
which authorizes funds received from States, counties, or local 
governments to be credited to the TTP.
    Response: The final rule's sections discussing the availability of 
non-TTP funds now include a reference to 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9) and direct 
the reader to Sec.  170.627, which describes the requirements for 
implementation of 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9). See Sec. Sec.  170.125, 170.131, 
170.133. Additionally, the limitation on the source of funds eligible 
for transfer in Sec.  170.627 of the proposed rule was removed in 
accordance with the direction provided under 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9) that 
any funds received from a State, county or local subdivision shall be 
credited to the TTP.
    Comment: Require each member of the Tribal Transportation 
Coordinating Committee (TTPCC) to communicate regularly and 
substantively with all of the Tribes in the region the member 
represents.
    Response: The final rule includes a new section that requires 
members of the TTPCC to disseminate information from TTPCC meetings to 
the Tribes they represent. See Sec.  170.137(d).

C. Subpart C--Tribal Transportation Program Funding

    Comment: Several factors contributing to the determination of 
Tribal shares under the TTP funding formula should be changed.
    Response: The factors contributing to determination of Tribal 
shares under the TTP funding formula are directed by statute at 23 
U.S.C. 202(b) and cannot be changed by regulation.
    Comment: The TTP funding formula fails to take into consideration 
the number of acres of lands held in trust by the Secretary for a 
Tribe.
    Response: The factors contributing to determination of Tribal 
shares under the TTP funding formula are directed by statute at 23 
U.S.C. 202(b) and cannot be changed by regulation.
    Comment: Change Sec.  170.226 to provide for Tribal appeals of the 
calculation of their share of funds determined by the TTP funding 
formula.
    Response: Section 170.226 provides for Tribal appeals of population 
data. The remainder of the data used in the TTP funding formula for 
determining Tribal shares cannot be subject to appeal because it is 
determined by the statutory formula found at 23 U.S.C. 202(b).

D. Subpart D--Planning, Design, and Construction of Tribal 
Transportation Program Facilities

    Comment: Include the development of a Long Range Transportation 
Plan (LRTP) as an eligible use of planning funds.
    Response: The final rule now includes the development of an LRTP as 
an eligible use of planning funds.
    Comment: Add Tribal newspapers as an acceptable resource for 
providing notice to the public of Tribal transportation planning or 
focus group meetings as required under Sec.  170.413(a)(1).
    Response: The final rule now allows the use of publicly-distributed 
Tribal newspapers for providing notice of Tribal transportation 
planning or focus group meetings. See Sec.  170.413(a)(1).
    Comment: It is unclear whether financial constraints apply to a 
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
    Response: The final rule modifies Sec.  170.421 to clarify the 
applicability of financial constraint requirements to a TIP.
    Comment: Clarify whether projects funded by non-TTP sources and 
made available under agreements authorized by 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9) must 
be included on a Tribal Transportation Improvement Program (TTIP).
    Response: The final rule clarifies Sec.  170.421 and now provides 
that all such projects must be included on a TTIP.
    Comment: The process for amending an approved TTIP should not 
require additional public involvement.
    Response: The final rule clarifies the public involvement 
requirements for amending a TTIP, and now closely follows the planning 
requirements for states as directed by 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135. See 
Sec. Sec.  170.422, 170.423.
    Comment: The rule should explain the difference between those 
transportation facilities in the NTTFI that generate funding and those 
that do not.
    Response: The statute establishes the road mileage that must be 
used to generate funding as part of the formula. Even though a road 
does not generate funding, however, it does not mean that it has or 
will be removed from the NTTFI.
    Comment: If the intent of the BIA is to remove proposed roads that 
do not meet the requirements to be included in the NTTFI, then clarify 
whether the roads that are removed will generate funding under the 
formula.
    Response: The final rule describes the information that must be 
updated within one year of publication of the final rule in order for a 
proposed road to remain in the NTTFI. See Sec.  170.443. While the road 
may be removed from the NTTFI, the statute directs that the mileage of 
the removed road continue to generate funding if it meets the 
eligibility requirements of the funding formula's mileage factor. See 
23 U.S.C. 202 (b)(3)(B)(i).
    Comment: Clarify the right-of-way or easement documentation 
requirements for a proposed route to be added to, or remain in, the 
NTTFI.

[[Page 78460]]

    Response: The final rule defines the documentation requirements for 
a proposed road to be added to, or remain in, the NTTFI. See Sec.  
170.443.
    Comment: Include the boundaries to be used for determining the 
maximum length of an access road.
    Response: The final rule adds a new section that identifies the 
boundaries used to determine the maximum length of an access road that 
were developed by consensus recommendation of the TTPCC and accepted by 
the Secretaries. See Sec.  170.447.
    Comment: Do not impose deadlines for submitting data for 
transportation facilities to be added to the NTTFI.
    Response: This comment was rejected because the deadlines are 
required for BIA and FHWA to generate an official NTTFI for 
administrative and reporting purposes for each fiscal year.
    Comment: Data specifying incidental costs should no longer be part 
of the requirements for an NTTFI submission.
    Response: Incidental costs data is a requirement because the 
overall cost to improve the NTTFI is needed for administrative and 
reporting purposes for each fiscal year.
    Comment: The proposed rule omits references to statutory or 
regulatory provisions that expand authority to use Categorical 
Exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to 
streamline the requirements for environmental compliance for projects 
involving the construction or maintenance of roads.
    Response: The final rule adds a new section that provides that the 
Categorical Exclusions for NEPA at 23 CFR 771.117 shall apply to all 
qualifying TTP projects involving the construction or maintenance of 
roads. See Sec.  170.453.
    Comment: Modify Sec.  170.460(c) to be consistent with the 
requirements of 25 CFR part 169.
    Response: The final rule modifies Sec.  170.460(c) to state that 
the project package must comply with the requirements of 25 CFR part 
169, if applicable.
    Comment: Tribes operating the program under the terms of a TTP 
addendum to a self-governance compact should be required to submit 
project packages to BIA or FHWA, or otherwise comply with Sec.  
170.460.
    Response: The final rule removes the submission requirements from 
Sec.  170.460, but similar requirements remain in Sec.  170.461 because 
BIA and FHWA need this information to fulfill their stewardship and 
oversight responsibility for the expenditure of TTP funds. 
Additionally, while the language was slightly modified in the proposed 
rule, this requirement was developed as part of the negotiated rule 
published in 2004.
    Comment: Section 170.471 of the proposed rule needs to better 
clarify the roles and responsibilities of the parties in administering 
projects under Program Agreements.
    Response: The final rule revises Sec.  170.471 to identify that the 
administration of the project will be carried out in accordance with 25 
CFR part 170 and the agreement in effect between the Tribe and the BIA 
or FHWA.
    Comment: Section 170.473 should state that a right-of-way is not 
required where a Tribe is constructing a road on its trust or 
restricted fee land if no other interests in the land are affected.
    Response: The comment was not adopted. 25 CFR part 169 controls the 
requirements for obtaining or otherwise administering right-of-ways, 
not 25 CFR part 170.
    Comment: Section 170.502 should include a reference to Federal and 
Tribal management systems for maintenance.
    Response: The comment was not adopted. TTP funds are intended to be 
used primarily for construction; maintenance is addressed by other 
appropriations.
    Comment: Development of a nationwide TTP management system should 
be done in consultation with Tribes.
    Response: The reference to consultation was removed from the 
proposed rule in error; it has been corrected by returning the 
consultation reference to the rule.

E. Subpart E--Service Delivery for Tribal Transportation Program

    Comment: Add a reference to partial year funding to Notice of Funds 
Availability in Sec.  170.600.
    Response: The final rule includes this change.
    Comment: The rule should identify the funds that can be used to pay 
for non-contractible functions and activities.
    Response: The final rule adds Sec.  170.613 to provide this 
information.
    Comment: Add a new section that discusses funds awarded and 
transferred to Tribes pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9) for distribution 
under their current TTP delivery mechanisms.
    Response: The final rule adds Sec.  170.627 in response to this 
comment.

F. Subpart F--Program Oversight and Accountability

    Comment: Sections 170.702 through 170.704 of the proposed rule 
establish a new Federal authority to review and monitor the performance 
of all TTP activities.
    Response: The final rule clarifies that TTP reviews are carried out 
in accordance with Title 23 of the CFR, the terms of the Tribe's TTP 
delivery mechanism, including Program Agreements or other appropriate 
agreements, 2 CFR part 200 as applicable, and the National Business 
Plan.

G. Subpart G--Maintenance Programs

    Comment: The regulation should include the BIA Road Maintenance 
Program (RMP) and the use of those funds on BIA system roads.
    Response: The final rule does not include the RMP because the RMP 
is not authorized by Title 23 or funded by the TTP. Subpart G was 
updated to reflect changes in SAFETEA-LU that were later modified in 
MAP-21 and carried forward in the FAST Act, and to clarify the eligible 
maintenance activities funded only through the TTP.
    Comment: The rule should include language to ensure that the 
Secretary of the Interior provides the necessary funding to address 
maintenance of the BIA Road System.
    Response: Funding for the RMP comes from appropriations for the 
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. Since the RMP is 
not authorized by Title 23 or funded by the TTP, the rule does not 
address the RMP, nor can it seek to compel the Secretary of the 
Interior to request funding for the BIA Road System.
    Comment: Reinstate the appendix listing maintenance activities 
eligible for TTP funding.
    Response: The final rule updates the appendix and returns it to its 
rightful place in the rule.

H. Subpart H--Miscellaneous Provisions

    Comment: Revise Sec.  170.910 to better describe where Tribes can 
obtain TTP information and the role of BIA or FHWA for providing 
additional program or project information.
    Response: The final rule identifies the BIA and FHWA TTP Web sites 
and clarifies the responsibility of BIA or FHWA to respond to Tribal 
requests for TTP information that may not be available on their 
respective Web sites.
    Comment: Reinstate Sec.  170.926 and discuss the varied ways that 
Tribes can contract to perform TTP functions, services and activities.
    Response: The final rule does not reinstate Sec.  170.926 because 
Sec.  170.627 discusses the varied ways Tribes can contract to perform 
TTP functions, services and activities.

[[Page 78461]]

    Comment: Reinstate non-TTP reference information in the final rule.
    Response: The rule covers only the TTP but the rule directs the 
reader to BIA, FHWA or other Web sites where current information may be 
found.
    Comment: Expand Sec.  170.943 that discussed the Tribal High 
Priority Projects Program.
    Response: The FAST Act did not reauthorize the Tribal High Priority 
Projects Program, which made Sec.  170.943 inapplicable. For this 
reason, the final rule removes Sec.  170.943.

I. Additional Comments

    Comment: Reinstate the appendices to subparts B, C, D, E and G.
    Response: The final rule reinstates the appendices for subparts B, 
D, E and G. The appendices to subpart C were not reinstated because 
they were superseded by the statutory funding formula enacted under 
MAP-21 at 23 U.S.C. 202(b), which was carried forward by the FAST Act.
    Comment: Change specific items that appear in the appendices to the 
negotiated rule published in 2004.
    Response: The appendices to subparts B, D, E and G that have been 
reinstated were revised only to reflect statutory changes, 
modifications recommended by the TTPCC and approved by the Secretaries, 
or where further clarification was necessary.

IV. Summary of Revisions to the Regulations

Revisions to Subpart A--General Provisions and Definitions

    The final rule revises this subpart to:
     Be consistent with the language used throughout 23 U.S.C. 
201 and 202;
     Outline the policies, guidance manuals, directives, and 
procedures that govern the TTP under the program delivery options that 
are available to Tribes; and
     Include new and updated definitions that are used 
throughout the rule.

Revisions to Subpart B--Tribal Transportation Program Policy and 
Eligibility

    The final rule revises this subpart to be consistent with the FAST 
Act by:
     Revising the language discussing Federal, Tribal, State, 
and local governments' coordination, collaboration, and consultation 
responsibilities;
     Updating the list of eligible uses of TTP funding and the 
point of contact information for funding eligibility requests;
     Updating provisions regarding cultural access roads, toll 
roads, recreation, tourism, trails, airport access roads, transit 
facilities and seasonal transportation routes;
     Changing the name ``Indian Local Technical Assistance 
Program'' to ``Tribal Technical Assistance Centers'' (TTACs);
     Including a description of the eligible uses and 
distribution of TTP-Safety set-aside funding; and
     Updating the TTP Coordinating Committee responsibilities 
regarding information dissemination requirements and scheduling of 
committee meetings.

Revisions to Subpart C--Tribal Transportation Program Funding

    The final rule revises this subpart to do the following:
     Remove the chart showing the flow of TTP funds;
     Reflect the statutory formula and methodology as contained 
in 23 U.S.C. 202 to distribute TTP funds including new formula factors, 
set-asides, supplemental funding and transition period;
     Remove the sections of the current regulation governing 
the IRR Program High Priority Projects, as it no longer exists;
     Revise how the NTTFI relates to the long-range Tribal 
transportation planning process;
     Revise the appeal process for fund distribution to be 
consistent with 23 U.S.C. 202; and
     Remove the appendices to subpart C of the current 
regulation because they are not applicable to the statutory funding 
formula established in 23 U.S.C. 202.

Revisions to Subpart D--Planning, Design, and Construction of Tribal 
Transportation Program Facilities

    This subpart contains revisions to the sections involving NTTFI 
submissions, and the review and approval of plans, specifications and 
estimates (PS&Es). A section on the TTP Bridge Program was added to 
reflect the changes as a result of the enactment of MAP-21. A section 
on Tribal data collection and reporting was added to reflect the 
requirements of 23 U.S.C. 201(c)(6)(C) that were added as a result of 
the FAST Act.

Revisions to Subpart E--Service Delivery for Tribal Transportation 
Program

    This subpart revises the sections involving Notice of Funds 
Availability (NOFA), contracts and agreements, including savings. The 
final rule also updates the appendix to subpart E to be consistent the 
FAST Act.

Revisions to Subpart F--Program Oversight and Accountability

    This subpart revises the stewardship and oversight roles and 
responsibilities for the TTP to reflect changes in the way the TTP is 
delivered to Tribes. The current regulations regarding program reviews 
were moved to this subpart and updated to be consistent with the FAST 
Act.

Revisions to Subpart G--Maintenance

    The final rule updates this subpart to clarify the maintenance 
activities and funding amounts that are eligible for TTP funding as 
identified in 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(8).

Revisions to Subpart H--Miscellaneous

    The final rule updates this subpart to be consistent with statutory 
references that changed due to the enactment of several highway 
authorization laws (SAFETEA-LU, MAP-21, and FAST Act). The sections 
involving emergency relief and hazardous and nuclear waste 
transportation were removed because they contained only reference 
information that is now available on BIA and FHWA Web sites.

V. Procedural Requirements

A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined 
that this rule is not significant.
    E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for 
improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The E.O. directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce 
burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public 
where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with 
regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations 
must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking 
process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of 
ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these 
requirements.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)

[[Page 78462]]

because Tribes are not small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act.

C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    (a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more because this rule affects only surface transportation for 
Tribes.
    (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions because it does not affect costs or 
prices.
    (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises 
because the rule addresses Tribal surface transportation within the 
United States.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

E. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    This rule does not affect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under E.O. 12360. A takings implication 
assessment is not required.

F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of E.O. 13132, this rule does not 
have sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
summary impact statement, because the rule primarily addresses the 
relationship between the Federal Government and Tribes. A Federalism 
summary impact statement is not required.

G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of E.O. 12988. 
Specifically, this rule:
    (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and written 
to minimize litigation; and
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental Policy)

    The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its 
government-to-government regulations with Indian Tribes through a 
commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their 
right to self-governance and Tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this 
rule under the Department's consultation policy and have identified 
substantial direct effects on federally recognized Indian Tribes that 
will result from this rule. This rule will affect funding for Tribes' 
surface transportation needs under the TTP. Accordingly, we have 
consulted with the affected Tribes on a government-to-government basis 
and have fully considered Tribal views in the final rule. Specifically, 
as discussed above, we held multiple consultation sessions with Tribes 
during development of the proposed rule and during the public comment 
period on the proposed rule.

I. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains information collection requirements, and the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
    OMB Control Number: 1076-0161.
    Title: 25 CFR 170, Tribal Transportation Program.
    Brief Description of Collection: The information submitted by 
Tribes allows them to participate in planning the development of 
transportation needs in their area; the information provides data for 
administration, documenting plans, and for oversight of the program by 
the Department. The revision accounts for updates made to the 
regulations as a result of passage of MAP-21 and FAST Act legislation. 
Some of the information such as the providing inventory updates (25 CFR 
170.444), the development of a long range transportation plan (25 CFR 
170.411 and 170. 412), the development of a Tribal transportation 
improvement program (25 CFR 170.421), and annual report (25 CFR 
170.420) are mandatory to determine how funds will allocated to 
implement the Tribal Transportation Program. Some of the information, 
such as public hearing requirements, is necessary for public 
notification and involvement (25 CFR 170.437 and 170.438), while other 
information, such as a request for exception from design standards (25 
CFR 170.456), is voluntary.
    Type of Review: Revision of currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments.
    Number of Respondents: 281 on average (each year).
    Number of Responses: 1,630 on average (each year).
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Time per Response: (See table below).
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 23,448 hours.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Average      Average     Estimated
                                                                            number of      number       annual
            Citation 25 CFR 170                      Information            hours per    responses      burden
                                                                             response     per year      hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
170.240...................................  Annual Report................           20          281        5,620
170.443...................................  Provide and Review                      20          141        2,820
                                             Information.
170.411...................................  Long Range Transportation               40          113        4,520
                                             Plan Contents.
170.421...................................  Reporting Requirement for               10          281        2,810
                                             Tribal Transportation
                                             Improvement Program (TTIP).
170.420...................................  Reporting Requirement for               10          281        2,810
                                             Tribal Priority List.
170.412...................................  Submission of Long Range                40          113        4,520
                                             Transportation Plan to BIA
                                             and Public, and Further
                                             Development.
170.437...................................  Notice of Requirements for             0.5          205          103
                                             Public Hearing.
170.439...................................  Record keeping Requirement--             1          205          205
                                             Record of Public Hearing.
170.456...................................  Provide Information for                  4           10           40
                                             Exception.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 78463]]

    OMB Control No. 1076-0161 currently authorizes the collections of 
information contained in 25 CFR part 170. If this proposed rule is 
finalized, the annual burden hours for respondents will increase by 
approximately 5,420 hours, primarily because of the new statutory 
requirement for an annual report (the increase is less than the full 
5,620 estimated hours because a previously identified information 
collection requirement was removed under this rule).
    The recordkeeping requirements contained in section 170.472 are 
authorized under OMB Control No. 1076-0136, applicable to self-
determination and self-governance contracts and compacts under 25 CFR 
900 and 1000.
    Please note that an agency may not sponsor or request, and an 
individual need not respond to, a collection of information unless it 
displays a valid OMB Control Number.

J. National Environmental Policy Act

    This rulemaking does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment because it 
is of an administrative, technical, and procedural nature. See 43 CFR 
46.210(i).

K. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

    This rulemaking is not a significant energy action under the 
definition in E.O. 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

List of Subjects in 25 CFR Part 170

    Highways and roads, Indians-lands.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Indian Affairs, revises part 170 in Title 25 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations to read as follows:

PART 170--TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Subpart A--Policies, Applicability, and Definitions
Sec.
170.1 What does this part do?
170.2 What policies govern the TTP?
170.3 When do other requirements apply to the TTP?
170.4 How does this part affect existing Tribal rights?
170.5 What definitions apply to this part?
170.6 Acronyms.
170.7 Information collection.
Subpart B--Tribal Transportation Program Policy and Eligibility

Consultation, Collaboration, Coordination

170.100 What do the terms ``consultation,'' ``collaboration,'' and 
``coordination'' mean?
170.101 What is the TTP consultation and coordination policy?
170.102 What goals and principles guide program implementation?
170.103 Is consultation with Tribal governments required before 
obligating TTP funds for direct service activities?
170.104 Are funds available for consultation, collaboration, and 
coordination activities?
170.105 When must State governments consult with Tribes?
170.106 Should planning organizations and local governments consult 
with Tribes when planning for transportation projects?
170.107 Should Tribes and BIA consult with planning organizations 
and local governments in developing projects?
170.108 How do the Secretaries prevent discrimination or adverse 
impacts?
170.109 How can State and local governments prevent discrimination 
or adverse impacts?
170.110 What if discrimination or adverse impacts occur?

Eligible Uses of TTP Funds

170.111 What activities may be carried out using TTP funds?
170.112 What activities are not eligible for TTP funding?
170.113 How can a Tribe determine whether a new use of funds is 
allowable?

Use of TTP and Cultural Site or Area Entry Roads

170.114 What restrictions apply to the use of a Tribal 
transportation facility?
170.115 What is a cultural site or area entry road?
170.116 Can a Tribe close a cultural site or area entry road?

Seasonal Transportation Routes

170.117 Can TTP funds be used on seasonal transportation routes?

TTP Housing Site or Area Entry Roads

170.118 What terms apply to TTP housing site or area entry roads?
170.119 Are housing site or area entry roads and housing streets 
eligible for TTP funding?

Toll, Ferry and Airport Facilities

170.120 How can Tribes use Federal highway funds for toll and ferry 
facilities?
170.121 Where is information about designing and operating a toll 
facility available?
170.122 When can a Tribe use TTP funds for airport facilities?

Recreation, Tourism and Trails

170.123 Can a Tribe use Federal funds for its recreation, tourism, 
and trails program?
170.124 How can a Tribe obtain funds?
170.125 What types of activities can a recreation, tourism, and 
trails program include?
170.126 Can roads be built in roadless and wild areas?

TTP Safety

170.127 What are the TTP Safety Funds?
170.128 What activities are eligible for the TTP safety funds?
170.129 How will Tribes receive TTP-S funds?
170.130 How can Tribes obtain non-TTP funds for highway safety 
projects?

Transit Facilities

170.131 How do Tribes identify transit needs?
170.132 What Federal funds are available for a Tribe's transit 
program?
170.133 May a Tribe or BIA use TTP funds as matching funds?
170.134 What transit facilities and activities are eligible for TTP 
funding?

TTP Coordinating Committee

170.135 What is the TTP Coordinating Committee?
170.136 What are the TTP Coordinating Committee's responsibilities?
170.137 How does the TTP Coordinating Committee conduct business?

Tribal Technical Assistance Centers

170.138 What are Tribal Technical Assistance Centers?
Appendix A to Subpart B--Allowable Uses of TTP funds
Appendix B to Subpart B--Sources of Tribal Transportation Training 
and Education Opportunities
Subpart C--Tribal Transportation Program Funding
170.200 How do BIA and FHWA determine the TTP funding amount?
170.201 What is the statutory distribution formula for Tribal 
shares?
170.202 How do BIA and FHWA determine and distribute the Tribal 
supplemental program funds?
170.203 How are Tribal transportation planning funds provided to 
Tribes?
170.204 What restrictions apply to TTP funds provided to Tribes?
170.205 What is the timeframe for distributing TTP funds?

Formula Data Appeals

170.226 How can a Tribe appeal its share calculation?

Flexible Financing

170.227 Can Tribes use flexible financing for TTP projects?
170.228 Can a Tribe use TTP funds to leverage other funds or pay 
back loans?
170.229 Can a Tribe apply for loans or credit from a State 
infrastructure bank?
170.230 How long must a project financed through flexible financing 
remain on a TTPTIP?

TTP Data Reporting

170.240 What TTP project and activity data must Tribes annually 
submit to the Secretaries?

[[Page 78464]]

Subpart D--Planning, Design, and Construction of Tribal Transportation 
Program Facilities

Transportation Planning

170.400 What is the purpose of transportation planning?
170.401 What are BIA's and FHWA's roles in transportation planning?
170.402 What is the Tribal role in transportation planning?
170.403 What TTP funds can be used for transportation planning?
170.404 Can Tribes use transportation planning funds for other 
activities?
170.405 How must Tribes use planning funds?
170.406-170.408 [Reserved].
170.409 What is the purpose of long-range transportation planning?
170.410 How does a long-range transportation plan relate to the 
NTTFI?
170.411 What should a long-range transportation plan include?
170.412 How is the Tribal TTP long-range transportation plan 
developed and approved?
170.413 What is the public's role in developing the long-range 
transportation plan?
170.414 How is the Tribal long-range transportation plan used and 
updated?
170.415 What are pre-project planning and project identification 
studies?
170.420 What is the Tribal priority list?

Transportation Improvement Programs

170.421 What is the Tribal Transportation Improvement Program 
(TTIP)?
170.422 How does the public participate in developing the TTIP?
170.423 How are annual updates or amendments to the TTIP conducted?
170.424 What is the TTP Transportation Improvement Program (TTPTIP)?

Public Hearings

170.435 When is a public hearing required?
170.436 How are public hearings for TTP planning and projects 
funded?
170.437 If there is no hearing, how must BIA, FHWA, or a Tribe 
inform the public?
170.438 How must BIA, FHWA, or a Tribe inform the public when a 
hearing is held?
170.439 How is a public hearing conducted?
170.440 How can the public learn the results of a public hearing?
170.441 Can a decision resulting from a hearing be appealed?

National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory

170.442 What is the National Tribal Transportation Facility 
Inventory?
170.443 What is required to successfully include a proposed 
transportation facility in the NTTFI?
170.444 How is the NTTFI updated?
170.445 Reserved.
170.446 What minimum attachments are required for an NTTFI 
submission?
170.447 How are the allowable lengths of access roads in the NTTFI 
determined?

Environmental and Archeological Requirements

170.450 What archeological and environmental requirements must the 
TTP meet?
170.451 Can TTP funds be used for archeological and environmental 
compliance?
170.452 When can TTP funds be used for archeological and 
environmental activities?
170.453 Do the Categorical Exclusions under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the regulations at 23 CFR 771 
apply to TTP activities?

Design

170.454 What design standards are used in the TTP?
170.455 What other factors must influence project design?
170.456 How can a Tribe request an exception from the design 
standards?
170.457 Can a Tribe appeal a denial?

Review and Approval of Plans, Specifications and Estimates

170.460 What must a project package include?
170.461 May a Tribe approve plans, specifications, and estimates?
170.463 What if a design deficiency is identified?

Construction and Construction Monitoring

170.470 Which construction standards must Tribes use?
170.471 How are projects administered?
170.472 What construction records must Tribes and BIA keep?
170.473 When is a project complete?
170.474 Who conducts the project closeout?

Management Systems

170.502 Are nationwide management systems required for the TTP?

Tribal Transportation Facility Bridges

170.510 What funds are available to address bridge activities?
170.511 What activities are eligible for Tribal Transportation 
Facility Bridge funds?
170.512 How will Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge funds be made 
available to the Tribes?
170.513 When and how are bridge inspections performed?
170.514 Who reviews bridge inspection reports?
Appendix A to Subpart D--Cultural Resource and Environmental 
Requirements for the TTP
Appendix B to Subpart D--Design Standards for the TTP
Subpart E--Service Delivery for Tribal Transportation Program

Funding Process

170.600 What must BIA include in the notice of funds availability?
170.602 If a Tribe incurs unforeseen construction costs, can it get 
additional funds?

Miscellaneous Provisions

170.605 May BIA or FHWA use force-account methods in the TTP?
170.606 How do legislation and procurement requirements affect the 
TTP?
170.607 Can a Tribe use its allocation of TTP funds for contract 
support costs?
170.608 Can a Tribe pay contract support costs from DOI or BIA 
appropriations?
170.609 Can a Tribe receive additional TTP funds for start-up 
activities?

Contracts and Agreements

170.610 Which TTP functions may a Tribe assume?
170.611 What special provisions apply to ISDEAA contracts and 
agreements?
170.612 Can non-contractible functions and activities be included in 
contracts or agreements?
170.613 What funds are used to pay for non-contractible functions 
and activities?
170.614 Can a Tribe receive funds before BIA publishes the final 
notice of funding availability?
170.615 Can a Tribe receive advance payments for non-construction 
activities under the TTP?
170.616 How are payments made to Tribes if additional funds are 
available?
170.617 May a Tribe include a contingency in its proposal budget?
170.618 Can a Tribe keep savings resulting from project 
administration?
170.619 Do Tribal preference and Indian preference apply to TTP 
funding?
170.620 How do ISDEAA's Indian preference provisions apply?
170.621 What if a Tribe doesn't perform work under a contract or 
agreement?
170.622 What TTP functions, services, and activities are subject to 
the self-governance construction regulations?
170.623 How are TTP projects and activities included in a self- 
governance agreement?
170.624 Is technical assistance available?
170.625 What regulations apply to waivers?
170.626 How does a Tribe request a waiver of a Department of 
Transportation regulation?
170.627 Can non-TTP funds be provided to a Tribe through an FHWA 
Program Agreement, BIA TTP Agreement, or other appropriate 
agreement?
Appendix to Subpart E--List of Program Functions that Cannot be 
Subcontracted
Subpart F--Program Oversight and Accountability
170.700 What is the TTP national business plan?
170.701 May a direct service Tribe and BIA Region sign a Memorandum 
of Understanding?
170.702 What activities may the Secretaries review and monitor?
170.703 What program reviews do the Secretaries conduct?
170.704 What happens when the review process identifies areas for 
improvement?

[[Page 78465]]

Subpart G--Maintenance
170.800 What funds are available for maintenance activities?
170.801 Can TTP funds designated on an FHWA-approved TTIP for 
maintenance be used to improve TTP transportation facilities?
170.802 Can a Tribe perform road maintenance?
170.803 To what standards must a Tribal transportation facility be 
maintained?
170.804 Who should be contacted if a Tribal transportation facility 
is not being maintained to TTP standards due to insufficient 
funding?
170.805 What maintenance activities are eligible for TTP funding?
Appendix to Subpart G--List of Eligible Maintenance Activities under 
the Tribal Transportation Program
Subpart H--Miscellaneous Provisions

Reporting Requirements and Indian Preference

170.910 What information on the TTP or projects must BIA or FHWA 
provide?
170.911 Are Indians entitled to employment and training preferences?
170.912 Does Indian employment preference apply to Federal-aid 
Highway Projects?
170.913 Do Tribal-specific employment rights and contract preference 
laws apply?
170.914 What is the difference between Tribal preference and Indian 
preference?
170.915 May Tribal employment taxes or fees be included in a TTP 
project budget?
170.916 May tribes impose taxes or fees on those performing TTP 
services?
170.917 Can tribes receive direct payment of Tribal employment taxes 
or fees?
170.918 What applies to the Secretaries' collection of data under 
the TTP?

Tribal Transportation Departments

170.930 What is a Tribal transportation department?
170.931 Can Tribes use TTP funds to pay Tribal transportation 
department operating costs?
170.932 Are there other funding sources for Tribal transportation 
departments?
170.933 Can Tribes regulate oversize or overweight vehicles?

Resolving Disputes

170.934 Are alternative dispute resolution procedures available?
170.935 How does a direct service Tribe begin the alternative 
dispute resolution process?

Other Miscellaneous Provisions

170.941 May Tribes become involved in transportation research?
170.942 Can a Tribe use Federal funds for transportation services 
for quality-of-life improvement programs?

    Authority: Pub. L. 112-141, Pub. L. 114-94; 5 U.S.C. 2; 23 
U.S.C. 201, 202; 25 U.S.C. 2, 9.

Subpart A--Policies, Applicability, and Definitions


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  170.4  How does this part affect existing Tribal rights?

    This part does not:
    (a) Affect Tribes' sovereign immunity from suit;

[[Page 78466]]

    (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.


Sec.  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

[[Page 78467]]

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

[[Page 78468]]

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.


Sec.  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

[[Page 78469]]

Sec.  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.

Subpart B--Tribal Transportation Program Policy and Eligibility

Consultation, Collaboration, Coordination


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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 Sec.  170.600 within 30 days of the 
notice of availability of funds.


Sec.  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;

[[Page 78470]]

    (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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.

Eligible Uses of TTP Funds


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


 Sec.  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.

Use of TTP and Cultural Site or Area Entry Roads


Sec.  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

[[Page 78471]]

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 Sec.  
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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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 Sec.  170.115(c).

Seasonal Transportation Routes


Sec.  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 Sec.  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.

TTP Housing Site or Area Entry Roads


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.

Toll, Ferry, and Airport Facilities


Sec.  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 Sec.   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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.

Recreation, Tourism, and Trails


Sec.  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.

[[Page 78472]]

Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.

TTP Safety


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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 Sec.  170.113.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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 Sec.  170.627 of this part.

Transit Facilities


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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

[[Page 78473]]

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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.

TTP Coordinating Committee


Sec.  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.


Sec.  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.


Sec.  170.137  How does the TTP Coordinating Committee conduct 
business?

    The Committee holds at least two meetings a year. In order to 
maximize participation by the Tribal public, the Committee shall submit 
to the Secretary its proposed meeting dates and locations for each 
fiscal year no later than October 1st. Subject to approval by the 
Secretary, additional Committee meetings may be called with the consent 
of one-third of the Committee members, or by BIA or FHWA. The Committee 
conducts business at its meetings as follows:
    (a) A quorum consists of representation from eight BIA Regions.
    (b) The Committee will operate by consensus or majority vote, as 
determined by the Committee in its protocols.
    (c) Any Committee member can submit an agenda item to the Chair.
    (d) The Committee will work through a committee-approved annual 
work plan and budget.
    (e) Annually, the Committee must elect from among the Committee 
membership a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and other officers. These officers 
will be responsible for preparing for and conducting Committee meetings 
and summarizing meeting results. These officers will also have other 
duties that the Committee may prescribe.
    (f) The Committee must keep the Secretary and the Tribes informed 
through an annual accomplishment report provided within 90 days after 
the end of each fiscal year.
    (g) The Committee's budget will be funded through the TTP 
management and oversight funds, not to exceed $150,000 annually.

Tribal Technical Assistance Centers


Sec.  170.138  What are Tribal Technical Assistance Centers?

    Tribal Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC), which are also referred 
to as Tribal Technical Assistance Program Centers are authorized under 
23 U.S.C. 504(b)(3). The centers assist Tribal governments and other 
TTP participants in extending their technical capabilities by providing 
them greater access to transportation technology, training, and 
research opportunities. Complete information about the centers and the

[[Page 78474]]

services they offer is available on at http://ltap.org/about/ttap.php.

Appendix A to Subpart B--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 
Sec.  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 Sec. Sec.  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

[[Page 78475]]

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 
Sec.  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 Sec.  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 
Sec. Sec.  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 Sec.  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 Sec. Sec.  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--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 Sec.  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)

[[Page 78476]]

Subpart C--Tribal Transportation Program Funding


Sec.  170.200  How do BIA and FHWA determine the TTP funding amount?

    23 U.S.C. 202(b)(3)(A) provides the basis for the funding formula 
and its transition into use. The annual TTP funding amount available 
for distribution is determined as follows:
    (a) The following set-asides are applied to the Tribal 
transportation program before the determination of final Tribal shares:
    (1) Tribal transportation planning (23 U.S.C. 202(c));
    (2) Tribal transportation facility bridges (23 U.S.C. 202(d));
    (3) Tribal safety (23 U.S.C 202(e));
    (4) Administrative expenses (23 U.S.C 202(a)(6)); and
    (5) Tribal supplemental program (23 U.S.C. 202(b)(3)(C)).
    (b) After deducting the set asides identified in paragraph (a) of 
this section, on October 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretaries will 
distribute the remainder authorized to be appropriated for the TTP 
among Indian Tribes as follows:
    (1) For fiscal year 2016 and thereafter:
    (i) For each Indian Tribe, 20 percent of the total relative need 
distribution factor and population adjustment factor as determined by 
the Tribal Transportation Allocation Methodology (see 25 CFR 170 dated 
July 19, 2004)) for the fiscal year 2011 funding amount made available 
to that Indian Tribe; and
    (ii) The remainder using Tribal shares as described in Sec.  
170.201 and Tribal supplemental funding as described in Sec.  170.202.
    (2) [Reserved].


Sec.  170.201  What is the statutory distribution formula for Tribal 
shares?

    (a) Tribal shares are determined by using the NTTFI as calculated 
for fiscal year 2012, and the most recent data on American Indian and 
Alaska Native population within each Indian Tribe's American Indian/
Alaska Native Reservation or Statistical Area, as computed under the 
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 
(25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), in the following manner:
    (1) 27 percent in the ratio that the total eligible road mileage in 
each Tribe bears to the total eligible road mileage of all American 
Indians and Alaskan Natives. For the purposes of this calculation, 
eligible road mileage will be computed using only facilities included 
in the inventory described below:
    (i) Were included in the BIA System Inventory prior to October 1, 
2004;
    (ii) Are owned by an Indian Tribal government;
    (iii) Are owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    (2) 39 percent in the ratio that the total population in each Tribe 
bears to the total population of all American Indians and Alaskan 
Natives; and
    (3) 34 percent will be initially divided equally among each BIA 
Region.
    (b) The share of funds will be distributed to each Indian Tribe 
within the BIA Region in the ratio that the average total relative need 
distribution factors and population adjustment factors from fiscal 
years 2005 through 2011 for a Tribe bears to the average total of 
relative need distribution factors and population adjustment factors 
for fiscal years 2005 through 2011 in that region.


Sec.  170.202  How do BIA and FHWA determine and distribute the Tribal 
supplemental program funds?

    (a) The total amount of funding made available for the Tribal 
supplemental program is determined as follows:
    (1) If the amount made available for the TTP is less than or equal 
to $275,000,000, the Tribal supplemental funding amount will equal 30 
percent of such amount.
    (2) If the amount made available for the TTP exceeds $275,000,000, 
the Tribal supplemental funding will equal:
    (i) $82,500,000; plus
    (ii) 12.5 percent of the amount made available for the Tribal 
transportation program in excess of $275,000,000.
    (b) The Tribal supplemental program funds will be distributed as 
follows:
    (1) Initially, the Tribal supplemental program funding determined 
in paragraph (a) of this section will be designated among the BIA 
Regions in proportion to the regional total of Tribal shares based on 
the cumulative Tribal shares of all Indian Tribes within the region 
under Sec.  170.201.
    (2) After paragraph (b)(1) of this section is completed, the Tribal 
supplemental program funding designated for each region will be 
distributed among the Tribes within the region as follows:
    (i) The Secretaries will determine which Tribes would be entitled 
under Sec.  170.200 to receive in a fiscal year less funding than they 
would receive in fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the relative need 
distribution factor and population adjustment factor, as described in 
25 CFR part 170, subpart C (in effect as of July 5, 2012); and
    (ii) The combined amount that such Indian Tribes would be entitled 
to receive in fiscal year 2011 pursuant to such relative need 
distribution factor and population adjustment factor in excess of the 
amount that they would be entitled to receive in the fiscal year under 
Sec.  170.200.
    (c) Subject to paragraph (d) of this section, the Secretaries will 
distribute a combined amount to each Tribe that meets the criteria 
described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section a share of funding in 
proportion to the share of the combined amount determined under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section attributable to such Indian Tribe.
    (d) A Tribe may not receive under paragraph (b)(2) of this section 
and based on its Tribal share under Sec.  170.200 a combined amount 
that exceeds the amount that such Indian Tribe would be entitled to 
receive in fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the relative need distribution 
factor and population adjustment factor, as described in 25 CFR part 
170, subpart C.
    (e) If the amount made available for a region under paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section exceeds the amount distributed among Indian 
Tribes within that region under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, The 
Secretaries will distribute the remainder of such region's funding 
under paragraph (b)(1) of this section among all Tribes in that region 
in proportion to the combined amount that each such Tribe received 
under Sec.  170.200 and paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.


Sec.  170.203  How are Tribal transportation planning funds provided to 
Tribes?

    Tribal transportation planning funds described in Sec.  
170.200(a)(1) are calculated pro rata to each Tribe's final percentage 
as determined under Sec. Sec.  170.200 through 170.202. Upon request of 
a Tribal government and approval by the BIA Regional Office or FHWA, 
these funds are made available to the Tribes under applicable BIA and 
FHWA contracting procedures.


Sec.  170.204  What restrictions apply to TTP funds provided to Tribes?

    All TTP funds provided to Tribes can be expended only on eligible 
projects and activities identified in Sec.  170.111 and included in an 
FHWA-approved TIP per 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(4)(B).


Sec.  170.205  What is the timeframe for distributing TTP funds?

    Not later than 30 days after the date on which funds are made 
available to the Secretary under this paragraph, the funds shall be 
distributed to, and made available for immediate use by, eligible 
Indian Tribes, in accordance with the formula for distribution of funds 
under the TTP. (See 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(4)(A).)

[[Page 78477]]

Formula Data Appeals


Sec.  170.226  How can a Tribe appeal its share calculation?

    (a) In calculating Tribal shares, BIA and FHWA use population data 
(which may be appealed) and specific prior-year data (which may not be 
appealed). Share calculations are based upon the requirements of 23 
U.S.C. 202(b)(3)(B).
    (b) Any appeal of a Tribe's population figure must be directed to 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Indian Housing Office of 
Native American Programs. The population data used is the most recent 
data on American Indian and Alaska Native population within each Indian 
Tribe's American Indian/Alaska Native Reservation or Statistical Area. 
This data is computed under the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.).
    (c) Appeal processes regarding inventory submissions are found at 
Sec.  170.444(c), design standards at Sec.  170.457, and new uses of 
funds at Sec.  170.113.

Flexible Financing


Sec.  170.227  Can Tribes use flexible financing for TTP projects?

    Yes. Tribes may use flexible financing in the same manner as States 
to finance TTP transportation projects, unless otherwise prohibited by 
law.
    (a) Tribes may issue bonds or enter into other debt-financing 
instruments under 23 U.S.C. 122 with the expectation of payment of TTP 
funds to satisfy the instruments.
    (b) Under 23 U.S.C. 603, the Secretary of Transportation may enter 
into an agreement for secured loans or lines of credit for TTP projects 
meeting the requirements contained in 23 U.S.C. 602. The secured loans 
or lines of credit must be paid from tolls, user fees, payments owing 
to the obligor under a public-private partnership or other dedicated 
revenue sources.
    (c) Tribes may use TTP funds as collateral for loans or bonds to 
finance TTP projects. Upon the request of a Tribe, a BIA region or FHWA 
will provide necessary documentation to banks and other financial 
institutions.


Sec.  170.228  Can a Tribe use TTP funds to leverage other funds or to 
pay back loans?

    (a) A Tribe can use TTP funds to leverage other funds.
    (b) A Tribe can use TTP funds to pay back loans or other finance 
instruments (including those provided through an agreement with another 
Tribe) that were used for a project that:
    (1) The Tribe paid for in advance of the current year using non-TTP 
funds;
    (2) Was included in FHWA-approved TTPTIP; and
    (3) Was included in the NTTFI at the time of construction.


Sec.  170.229  Can a Tribe apply for loans or credit from a State 
infrastructure bank?

    Yes. A Tribe can apply for loans or credit from a State 
infrastructure bank. Upon the request of a Tribe, BIA region or FHWA 
will provide necessary documentation to a State infrastructure bank to 
facilitate obtaining loans and other forms of credit for a TTP project.


Sec.  170.230  How long must a project financed through flexible 
financing remain on a TTPTIP?

    Tribes must identify each TTP project financed through flexible 
financing along with the repayment amount on their annual TTPTIP until 
the flexible financing instrument has been satisfied.

TTP Data Reporting


Sec.  170.240  What TTP project and activity data must be submitted 
annually to the Secretaries?

    (a) In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 201(c)(6)(C), no later than 90 
days after the last day of each fiscal year, any entity carrying out a 
project under the TTP under 23 U.S.C. 202 shall submit to the 
Secretaries, based on obligations and expenditures under the TTP during 
the preceding fiscal year, the following data:
    (1) The names of projects and activities carried out by the entity 
under the TTP during the preceding fiscal year.
    (2) A description of the projects and activities identified under 
paragraph (1) of this section;
    (3) The current status of the projects and activities identified 
under paragraph (1) of this section; and
    (4) An estimate of the number of jobs created and the number of 
jobs retained by the projects and activities identified under paragraph 
(1) of this section.
    (b) FHWA and BIA shall provide an electronic portal to assist 
Tribes in submitting the data needed to fulfill the requirements of 23 
U.S.C. 201(c)(6)(C).

Subpart D--Planning, Design, and Construction of Tribal 
Transportation Program Facilities

Transportation Planning


Sec.  170.400  What is the purpose of transportation planning?

    The purpose of transportation planning is to address current and 
future transportation, land use, economic development, traffic demand, 
public safety, health, and social needs.


Sec.  170.401  What are BIA's and FHWA's roles in transportation 
planning?

    Except as provided in Sec.  170.402, the functions and activities 
that BIA and/or FHWA must perform for the TTP transportation planning 
are:
    (a) Reviewing, and approving the TTPTIP as well as providing 
technical assistance to the Tribes during the development of their TTIP 
or Priority List:
    (b) Oversight of the NTTFI;
    (c) Performing quality assurance and validation of NTTFI data 
updates as needed;
    (d) Coordinating with States and their political subdivisions and 
appropriate planning authorities on regionally significant TTP 
projects;
    (e) Providing technical assistance to Tribal governments;
    (f) Developing TTP budgets;
    (g) Facilitating public involvement;
    (h) Participating in transportation planning and other 
transportation-related meetings;
    (i) Performing quality assurance and validation related to 
performing traffic studies;
    (j) Performing preliminary project planning or project 
identification studies;
    (k) Conducting special transportation studies;
    (l) Developing short- and long-range transportation plans;
    (m) Mapping;
    (n) Developing and maintaining management systems;
    (o) Performing transportation planning for operational and 
maintenance facilities; and
    (p) Researching rights-of-way documents for project planning.


Sec.  170.402  What is the Tribal role in transportation planning?

    (a) All Tribes must prepare a TTIP or Tribal priority list.
    (b) Tribes operating with a Program Agreement or BIA self-
determination contract, TTP agreement, or self-governance agreement may 
assume any of the following planning functions:
    (1) Coordinating with States and their political subdivisions, and 
appropriate planning authorities on regionally significant TTP 
projects;
    (2) Preparing NTTFI data updates and ensuring that the data is 
entered into the NTTFI;
    (3) Facilitating public involvement;
    (4) Performing traffic studies;
    (5) Developing short- and long-range transportation plans;
    (6) Mapping;
    (7) Developing and maintaining Tribal management systems;
    (8) Participating in transportation planning and other 
transportation related meetings;

[[Page 78478]]

    (9) Performing transportation planning for operational and 
maintenance facilities;
    (10) Developing TTP budgets including transportation planning cost 
estimates;
    (11) Conducting special transportation studies, as appropriate;
    (12) Researching rights-of-way documents for project planning; and
    (13) Performing preliminary project planning or project 
identification studies.


Sec.  170.403  What TTP funds can be used for transportation planning?

    Funds as defined in 23 U.S.C. 202(c) are allocated to an Indian 
Tribal government to carry out transportation planning. Tribes may also 
identify transportation planning as a priority use for their TTP Tribal 
share formula funds. In both cases, the fund source and use must be 
clearly identified on a FHWA-approved TTPTIP.


Sec.  170.404  Can Tribes use transportation planning funds for other 
activities?

    Yes. After completion of a Tribe's annual planning activities, 
unexpended planning funds made available under 23 U.S.C. 202(c) may be 
used on eligible projects or activities provided that they are 
identified on a FHWA-approved TTPTIP.


Sec.  170.405  How must Tribes use planning funds?

    TTP funds as defined in 23 U.S.C. 202(c) are available to a Tribal 
government to support Tribal transportation planning and associated 
activities, including:
    (a) Attending transportation planning meetings;
    (b) Pursuing other sources of funds; and
    (c) Developing the Tribal priority list, TTIP, LRTP, or any of the 
transportation planning functions and activities listed in Sec.  
170.402.


Sec. Sec.  170.406-170.408  [Reserved].


Sec.  170.409  What is the purpose of long-range transportation 
planning?

    (a) The purpose of long-range transportation planning is to clearly 
demonstrate a Tribe's transportation needs and to develop strategies to 
meet these needs. These strategies should address future land use, 
economic development, traffic demand, public safety, and health and 
social needs. The planning process should result in a LRTP.
    (b) The time horizon for a LRTP should be 20 years to match State 
transportation planning horizons.


Sec.  170.410  How does a long-range transportation plan relate to the 
NTTFI?

    A LRTP is developed using a uniform process that identifies the 
transportation needs and priorities of a Tribe. The NTTFI (see Sec.  
170.442) is derived from transportation facilities identified through 
an LRTP. It is also a means for identifying projects and activities for 
the TTP.


Sec.  170.411  What should a long-range transportation plan include?

    A LRTP should include:
    (a) An evaluation of a full range of transportation modes and 
connections between modes such as highway, rail, air, and water, to 
meet transportation needs;
    (b) Trip generation studies, including determination of traffic 
generators due to land use;
    (c) Social and economic development planning to identify 
transportation improvements or needs to accommodate existing and 
proposed land use in a safe and economical fashion;
    (d) Measures that address health and safety concerns relating to 
transportation improvements;
    (e) A review of the existing and proposed transportation system to 
identify the relationships between transportation and the environment;
    (f) Cultural preservation planning to identify important issues and 
develop a transportation plan that is sensitive to Tribal cultural 
preservation;
    (g) Scenic byway and tourism plans;
    (h) Measures that address energy conservation considerations;
    (i) A prioritized list of short- and long-term transportation 
needs; and
    (j) An analysis of funding alternatives to implement plan 
recommendations.


Sec.  170.412  How is the Tribal TTP long-range transportation plan 
developed and approved?

    (a) The Tribal TTP long-range transportation plan is developed by 
either:
    (1) A Tribe working through a self-determination contract, self-
governance agreement, Program Agreement; and other appropriate 
agreement; or
    (2) BIA or FHWA upon request of, and in consultation with, a Tribe. 
The Tribe and BIA or FHWA need to agree on the methodology and elements 
included in development of the TTP long-range transportation plan along 
with time frames before work begins. The development of a long-range 
transportation plan on behalf of a Tribe will be funded from the 
Tribe's share of the TTP funds.
    (b) During the development of the TTP long-range transportation 
plan, the Tribe and BIA or FHWA will jointly conduct a midpoint review.
    (c) The public reviews a draft TTP long-range transportation plan 
as required by Sec.  170.413. The plan is further refined to address 
any issues identified during the public review process. The Tribe then 
approves the TTP long-range transportation plan.


Sec.  170.413  What is the public's role in developing the long-range 
transportation plan?

    BIA, FHWA, or the Tribe must solicit public involvement. If there 
are no Tribal policies regarding public involvement, a Tribe must use 
the procedures in this section. Public involvement begins at the same 
time long-range transportation planning begins and covers the range of 
users, from stakeholders and private citizens to major public and 
private entities. Public involvement must include either meetings or 
notices, or both.
    (a) For public meetings, BIA, FHWA or the Tribe must:
    (1) Advertise each public meeting in local and Tribal public 
newspapers at least 15 days before the meeting date. In the absence of 
local and Tribal public newspapers, BIA, FHWA, or the Tribe may post 
notices under locally acceptable practices;
    (2) Provide at the meeting copies of the draft LRTP;
    (3) Provide information on funding and the planning process; and
    (4) Provide the public the opportunity to comment, either orally or 
in writing.
    (b) For public notices, BIA, FHWA, or the Tribe must:
    (1) Publish a notice in the local and Tribal public newspapers when 
the draft LRTP is complete. In the absence of local and Tribal public 
newspapers, BIA, FHWA, or the Tribe may post notices under locally 
acceptable practices; and
    (2) State in the notice that the LRTP is available for review, 
where a copy can be obtained, whom to contact for questions, where 
comments may be submitted, and the deadline for submitting comments 
(normally 30 days).


Sec.  170.414  How is the Tribal long-range transportation plan used 
and updated?

    The Tribal government uses its TTP long-range transportation plan 
to develop transportation projects as documented in a Tribal priority 
list or TTIP and to identify and justify the Tribe's updates to the 
NTTFI. To be consistent with State, Metropolitan Planning Organization 
(MPO) and Regional Planning Organization (RPO) planning practices, the 
TTP long-range

[[Page 78479]]

transportation plan must be reviewed annually and updated at least 
every five years.


Sec.  170.415  What are pre-project planning and project identification 
studies?

    (a) Pre-project planning and project identification studies are 
part of overall transportation planning and include the activities 
conducted before final project approval on the TTPTIP. These processes 
provide the information necessary to financially constrain and program 
a project on the four-year TTPTIP but are not the final determination 
that projects will be designed and built. These activities include:
    (1) Preliminary project cost estimates;
    (2) Certification of public involvement;
    (3) Consultation and coordination with States and/or MPO's for 
regionally significant projects;
    (4) Preliminary needs assessments; and
    (5) Preliminary environmental and archeological reviews.
    (b) BIA and/or FHWA, upon request of the Tribe, will work 
cooperatively with Tribal, State, regional, and metropolitan 
transportation planning organizations concerning the leveraging of 
funds from non-TTP sources and identification of other funding sources 
to expedite the planning, design, and construction of projects on the 
TTPTIP.


Sec.  170.420  What is the Tribal priority list?

    The Tribal priority list is a list of all transportation projects 
that the Tribe wants funded. The list:
    (a) Is not financially constrained; and
    (b) Is provided to BIA or FHWA by official Tribal action, unless 
the Tribal government submits a TTIP.

Tribal Transportation Improvement Programs


Sec.  170.421  What is the Tribal Transportation Improvement Program 
(TTIP)?

    (a) The TTIP:
    (1) Is developed from and must be consistent with the Tribe's 
Tribal priority list or LRTP;
    (2) Is financially constrained for all identified funding sources;
    (3) Must identify (year by year) all TTP funded projects and 
activities that are expected to be carried out over the next four years 
as well as the projected costs and all other funding sources that are 
expected to be used on those projects. Although 23 U.S.C. 134(j)(1)(D) 
indicates a TIP must be updated once every four years, Tribes are 
encouraged to update the TTIP annually to best represent the plans of 
the Tribe;
    (4) Must identify all projects and activities that are funded 
through other Federal, State, county, and municipal transportation 
funds and are carried out by the Tribe in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 
202(a)(9);
    (5) Must include public involvement;
    (6) Is reviewed and updated as necessary by the Tribal government;
    (7) Can be changed only by the Tribal government; and
    (8) After approval by the Tribal government, must be forwarded to 
BIA or FHWA by Tribal resolution or authorized governmental action 
certifying public involvement has occurred and requesting approval.
    (b) A copy of the FHWA-approved TTIP is returned to the Tribe and 
BIA. Although the FHWA-approved TTIP authorizes the Tribe to expend TTP 
funds for the projects and/or activities shown, it does not waive or 
modify other Federal, local, or financial statutory or regulatory 
requirements associated with the projects or activities.


Sec.  170.422  How does the public participate in developing the TTIP?

    Public involvement is required in the development of the TTIP.
    (a) The Tribe must publish a notice in local and/or Tribal 
newspapers when the draft TTIP is complete. In the absence of local 
public newspapers, the Tribe or BIA may post notices under locally 
acceptable practices. The notice must indicate where a copy can be 
obtained, a contact person for questions, where comments may be 
submitted, and the deadline for submitting comments. A copy of the 
notice will be made available to BIA or FHWA upon request.
    (b) The Tribe may hold public meetings at which the public may 
comment orally or in writing.
    (c) The Tribe, the State transportation department, or MPO may 
conduct public involvement activities.


Sec.  170.423  How are annual updates or amendments to the TTIP 
conducted?

    (a) The TTIP annual update allows:
    (1) Changes to schedules and funding amounts for identified 
projects and activities; and
    (2) The addition of transportation projects and activities planned 
for the next four years.
    (b) During the first quarter of a fiscal year, Tribes will be 
notified of the opportunity to update their TTIP. This notification 
will contain information on where the Tribes can access their estimated 
TTP funding amounts for that fiscal year, and will include a copy of 
their previously approved TTIP, as well as instructions for submitting 
the annual update.
    (c) The Tribe must then review any new transportation planning 
information and priority lists, update their TTIP using the procedures 
in Sec.  170.421, and forward the documentation to their respective BIA 
Regional Office or to FHWA.
    (d) If forwarded to:
    (1) A BIA Regional Office--The Office will review all submitted 
information with the Tribe and provide a written response (concurring, 
denying, or requesting additional information) within 45 days. If the 
BIA regional office concurs in the TTIP, it is then forwarded to FHWA 
for final approval.
    (2) FHWA-FHWA will review all submitted information with the Tribe 
and provide a written response (approving, denying, or requesting 
additional information) within 45 days.
    Once a proposed TTIP update is approved by FHWA, it will be 
included in that year's overall TTPTIP.
    (e) The Tribe may amend their approved TTIP at any time using the 
procedures in Sec.  170.421 and paragraph (d) of this section in order 
to add a new project or activity within the current fiscal year that 
they intend to expend TTP funds on.


Sec.  170.424  What is the TTP Transportation Improvement Program 
(TTPTIP)?

    (a) Each year, FHWA will compile the approved TTIPs for all of the 
Tribes into one document called the TTPTIP. This document will identify 
all expected projects and activities over a four-year period and will 
be organized by fiscal year, State, and Tribe.
    (b) FHWA and BIA will post the approved TTPTIP on their respective 
Web sites. A subset of the TTPTIP that identifies only design and 
construction activities will annually be provided to the pertinent FHWA 
Division office for further transmittal to each State Transportation 
Office/Department for inclusion in the STIP without further action per 
23 U.S.C. 201(c)(4).

Public Hearings


Sec.  170.435  When is a public hearing required?

    The Tribe, or BIA or FHWA after consultation with the appropriate 
Tribe and other involved agencies, determines whether or not a public 
hearing is needed for a TTPTIP, a LRTP, or a project. A public hearing 
must be held if a project:
    (a) Is for the construction of a new route or facility;
    (b) Would significantly change the layout or function of connecting 
or related roads or streets;
    (c) Would cause a substantial adverse effect on adjacent property; 
or
    (d) Is controversial or expected to be controversial in nature.

[[Page 78480]]

Sec.  170.436  How are public hearings for TTP planning and projects 
funded?

    Public hearings for a TTIP or a Tribe's LRTP are funded using the 
Tribe's funds as described in Sec.  170.403.


Sec.  170.437  If there is no hearing, how must BIA, FHWA, or a Tribe 
inform the public?

    (a) When no public hearing for a TTP project is scheduled, the BIA, 
FHWA, or a Tribe must give adequate notice to the public before project 
activities are scheduled to begin. The notice should include:
    (1) Project location;
    (2) Type of improvement planned;
    (3) Dates and schedule for work;
    (4) Name and address where more information is available; and
    (5) Provisions for requesting a hearing.
    (b) If the work is not to be performed by the Tribe, BIA will send 
a copy of the notice to the affected Tribe.


Sec.  170.438  How must BIA, FHWA, or a Tribe inform the public of when 
a hearing is held?

    (a) When BIA, FHWA, or a Tribe holds a hearing under this part, it 
must notify the public of the hearing by publishing a notice with 
information about the project, how to attend the hearing, and where 
copies of documents can be obtained or viewed.
    (b) BIA or the Tribe must publish the notice by:
    (1) Posting the notice and publishing it in a newspaper of general 
circulation at least 30 days before the public hearing; and,
    (2) Sending a courtesy copy of the notice to each affected Tribe 
and BIA Regional Office.
    (c) A second notice for a hearing is optional.


Sec.  170.439  How is a public hearing conducted?

    (a) Presiding official. A Tribal (tribal council) or Federal (FHWA 
or BIA) official will be appointed to preside over the public hearing. 
The presiding official must encourage a free and open discussion of the 
issues.
    (b) Record of hearing. The presiding official is responsible for 
compiling the official record of the hearing. A record of a hearing is 
a summary of oral testimony and all written statements submitted at the 
hearing. Additional written comments made or provided at the hearing, 
or within five working days of the hearing, will be made a part of the 
record.
    (c) Hearing process. (1) The presiding official explains the 
purpose of the hearing and provides an agenda;
    (2) The presiding official solicits public comments from the 
audience on the merits of TTP projects and activities; and
    (3) The presiding official informs the hearing audience of the 
appropriate procedures for a proposed TTP project or activity that may 
include, but are not limited to:
    (i) Project development activities;
    (ii) Rights-of-way acquisition;
    (iii) Environmental and archeological clearance;
    (iv) Relocation of utilities and relocation services;
    (v) Authorized payments under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and 
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq., as 
amended;
    (vi) Draft transportation plan; and
    (vii) The scope of the project and its effect on traffic during and 
after construction.
    (d) Availability of information. Appropriate maps, plats, project 
plans, and specifications will be available at the hearing for public 
review. Appropriate officials must be present to answer questions.
    (e) Opportunity for comment. Comments are received as follows:
    (1) Oral statements at the hearing;
    (2) Written statements submitted at the hearing; and
    (3) Written statements sent to the address noted in the hearing 
notice within five working days following the public hearing.


Sec.  170.440  How can the public learn the results of a public 
hearing?

    Within 20 working days after the public hearing, the presiding 
official will issue and post at the hearing site a statement that:
    (a) Summarizes the results of the hearing;
    (b) Explains any needed further action;
    (c) Explains how the public may request a copy; and
    (d) Outlines appeal procedures.


Sec.  170.441  Can a decision resulting from a hearing be appealed?

    Yes. A decision resulting from the public hearing may be appealed 
under 25 CFR part 2.

National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory


Sec.  170.442  What is the National Tribal Transportation Facility 
Inventory?

    (a) The National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI), 
is defined under Sec.  170.5 of this part.
    (b) BIA, FHWA, or Tribes can also use the NTTFI to assist in 
transportation and project planning, justify expenditures, identify 
transportation needs, maintain existing TTP facilities, and develop 
management systems.
    (c) The Secretaries may include additional transportation 
facilities in the NTTFI if the additional facilities are included in a 
uniform and consistent manner nationally.
    (d) As required by 23 U.S.C. 144, all bridges in the NTTFI will be 
inspected and recorded in the national bridge inventory administered by 
the Secretary of Transportation.
    (e) In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(1)(A-B) and the principles 
of program stewardship and oversight, the Secretaries have the 
authority to maintain the NTTFI and shall ensure the eligibility of the 
facilities and the accuracy of the data included in the NTTFI.


Sec.  170.443  What is required to successfully include a proposed 
transportation facility in the NTTFI?

    (a) A proposed transportation facility is any transportation 
facility, including a highway bridge, that will serve public 
transportation needs, meets the eligibility requirements of the TTP, 
and does not currently exist. It must meet the eligibility requirements 
of the TTP and be open to the public when constructed. In order to have 
a proposed facility placed on the NTTFI, a Tribe must submit all of the 
following to the BIADOT/FHWA Quality Assurance Team for consideration:
    (1) A Tribal resolution or other official action identifying 
support for the facility and its placement on the NTTFI.
    (2) A copy of the Tribe's LRTP containing:
    (i) A description of the current land use and identification of 
land ownership within the proposed road's corridor (including what 
public easements may be required);
    (ii) A description of need and outcomes for the facility including 
a description of the project's termini; and
    (iii) The sources of funding to be used for construction.
    (3) If the landowner is a public authority other than the Tribe or 
BIA, documentation from the public authority that the proposed road has 
been identified in their LRTP, STIP approved by FHWA, or other 
published transportation planning documents.
    (4) Documentation clearly identifying that easements or rights-of-
way have been acquired or a clear written statement of willingness to 
provide a right-of-way from each landowner along the route.
    (5) Certification that a public involvement process has been 
carried out for the proposed road.
    (6) A synopsis discussing the project's anticipated environmental 
impacts as well as the engineering and construction challenges.

[[Page 78481]]

    (7) Documentation that the project can meet financial or fiscal 
constraint requirements including financial information demonstrating 
that the project can be implemented using existing or reasonably 
available funding sources, and that the project route can be adequately 
maintained after construction. (See 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135.)
    (8) Documentation identifying the entity responsible for 
maintenance of the facility after construction is completed.
    (b) For those proposed roads that currently exist in the NTTFI, the 
requirements identified above as paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(8) of 
this section, must be completed and submitted for approval to BIA and 
FHWA within November 7, 2017, in order to remain on the inventory.


Sec.  170.444  How is the NTTFI updated?

    (a) Submitting data into the NTTFI for a new facility is carried 
out on an annual basis as follows:
    (1) BIA Regional Offices provide each Tribe within its region with 
a copy of the Tribe's own NTTFI data during the first quarter of each 
fiscal year.
    (2) Tribes review the provided data and are responsible for 
entering all changes/updates into the database. This work must be 
completed by March 15. The submissions must include, at a minimum, all 
required minimum attachments (see Sec.  170.446) and authorizing 
resolutions or similar official authorizations.
    (3) The BIA Regional Office reviews each Tribe's submission. If any 
errors or omissions are identified, the BIA Regional Office will return 
the submittals along with a request for corrections to the Tribe no 
later than May 15. If no errors or omissions are found, the BIA 
Regional Office validates the data and forwards it to BIADOT for review 
and approval.
    (4) The Tribe must correct any errors or omissions in the data 
entries or return the corrected submittals back to the BIA Regional 
Office by June 15.
    (5) Each BIA Regional Office must validate its regional data by 
July 15.
    (6) BIADOT approves the current inventory year submissions from BIA 
Regional Offices by September 30 or returns the submissions to the BIA 
Regional Office if additional work is required.
    (7) New facility data submitted outside of the above referenced 
dates are not guaranteed for inclusion in the official inventory 
identified in this subsection.
    (b) Updating the data on a facility currently listed in the NTTFI 
is carried out as follows:
    (1) At any time, a Tribe may submit a request to the BIA Region 
asking for the NTTFI data of an existing facility to be updated. The 
request must include the Tribe's updated data and background 
information on how and why the data was obtained. At the request of a 
Tribe, FHWA may assist BIA and the Tribe in updating the NTTFI data as 
required under this part.
    (2) The BIA Region must review the submitted data and respond to 
the Tribe within 30 days of its receipt.
    (i) If approved, the BIA Region validates the data and forwards it 
to BIADOT for review and approval.
    (ii) If not approved, the BIA Region returns the submittals to the 
Tribe along with a detailed written explanation and supporting 
documentation of the reasons for the disapproval. The Tribe must 
correct the data entries and return the corrected submittals back to 
the BIA Region.
    (3) BIADOT approves the current inventory year submittals from BIA 
Regional Offices or returns the submittals to the BIA Regional Office 
if additional work is required.
    (c) A Tribe may appeal the rejection of submitted data on a new or 
existing facility included in the NTTFI by filing a written notice of 
appeal to the Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, with a copy to the 
BIA Regional Director.
    (d) To be included in the annual NTTFI update used for 
administrative and reporting purposes for any given fiscal year, 
submittals for new facilities and updates for existing facilities must 
be officially accepted by BIA and FHWA by September 30th of that year.


Sec.  170.445  [Reserved].


 Sec.  170.446  What minimum attachments are required for an NTTFI 
submission?

    The minimum attachments required for a facility to be added into 
the NTTFI include the following.
    (a) A long-range transportation plan.
    (b) A Tribal resolution or official authorization that refers to 
all route numbers, names, locations, lengths, construction needs, and 
ownerships.
    (c) A Strip map. See Sec.  170.5.
    (d) Average Daily Traffic (ADT) documentation.
    (e) A typical or representative section photo or bridge profile 
photo.
    (f) Incidental cost verification.
    (g) Acknowledgement of Public Authority responsibility.
    (h) For proposed roads, see Sec.  170.443 for additional required 
attachments.
    Please see the TTP Coding Guide for additional information on the 
NTTFI minimum attachments.


Sec.  170.447  How are the allowable lengths of access roads in the 
NTTFI determined?

    The allowable length of an access road in the NTTFI is determined 
as follows:
    (a) If the road section intersects or abuts a federally recognized 
Tribal boundary, then the length of the access road is the distance 
from the boundary extending to the intersection of an equal or greater 
functional classification but no more than 15 miles.
    (b) If the road section does not intersect or abut a federally 
recognized Tribal boundary, the following applies:
    (1) If the road section intersects or abuts an Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act (ANCSA) (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) village corporation 
transportation service area, then the length of the access road is the 
distance from the ANCSA village corporation transportation service area 
extending to the intersection of an equal or greater functional 
classification but no more than 15 miles.
    (2) If the road section is located outside of an ANCSA village 
corporation and located within a developed Alaska Native Village with a 
population more than 50% Alaska Native/American Indian, then the length 
of the access road is defined as the distance beginning five miles 
outside of the developed area of the Alaska Native Village extending to 
the intersection of an equal or greater functional classification but 
no more than 15 miles.
    (3) If the road section intersects or abuts a Tribally owned trust 
or fee parcel located outside of an incorporated municipal boundary, 
then the length of the access road is defined as the distance beginning 
five miles outside of the Tribally owned trust or fee parcel boundary 
extending to the intersection of an equal or greater functional 
classification but no more than 15 miles.
    (4) If the road section intersects or abuts a Tribally owned trust 
or fee parcel located inside of an incorporated municipal boundary, 
then the length of the access road is defined as the distance from the 
Tribally owned trust or fee parcel boundary extending to the 
intersection of an equal or greater functional classification but no 
more than 15 miles.

[[Page 78482]]

Environmental and Archeological Requirements


Sec.  170.450  What archeological and environmental requirements must 
the TTP meet?

    All BIA, FHWA, and Tribal work for the TTP must comply with 
cultural resource and environmental requirements under applicable 
Federal laws and regulations. A list of applicable laws and regulations 
is shown in appendix A to this subpart and is also available in the 
official Tribal Transportation Program Guide.


Sec.  170.451  Can TTP funds be used for archeological and 
environmental compliance?

    Yes. For approved TTP projects, TTP funds can be used for 
environmental and archeological work consistent with Sec.  170.450 and 
applicable Tribal laws for:
    (a) Road and bridge rights-of-way;
    (b) Borrow pits and aggregate pits and water sources associated 
with TTP activities staging areas;
    (c) Limited mitigation outside of the construction limits as 
necessary to address the direct impacts of the construction activity as 
determined in the environmental analysis and after consultation with 
all affected Tribes and appropriate Secretaries; and
    (d) Construction easements.


Sec.  170.452  When can TTP funds be used for archeological and 
environmental activities?

    TTP funds can be used on a project's archeological and 
environmental activities only after the TTP facility is included in the 
Tribe's LRTP and the NTTFI, and the project identified on an FHWA-
approved TTPTIP.


Sec.  170.453  Do the Categorical Exclusions under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the regulations at 23 CFR 771 apply 
to TTP activities?

    Yes. Regardless of whether BIA or FHWA is responsible for the 
oversight of a Tribe's TTP activities, the Categorical Exclusions under 
NEPA at 23 CFR 771.117 governing the use of funds made available 
through title 23 shall apply to all qualifying TTP projects involving 
the construction or maintenance of roads.

Design


Sec.  170.454  What design standards are used in the TTP?

    (a) Depending on the nature of the project, Tribes must use 
appropriate design standards approved by FHWA. Appendix B to this 
subpart as well as the official Tribal Transportation Program Guide 
list the applicable design standards that can be used.
    (b) All other design standards not listed in (a) must receive 
approval from FHWA.


Sec.  170.455  What other factors must influence project design?

    The appropriate design standards must be applied to each 
construction project consistent with a minimum 20-year design life for 
highway projects and 75-year design life for highway bridges. The 
design of TTP projects must take into consideration:
    (a) The existing and planned future use of the facility in a manner 
that is conducive to safety, durability, and economy of maintenance;
    (b) The particular needs of each locality, and the environmental, 
scenic, historic, aesthetic, community, and other cultural values and 
mobility needs in a cost effective manner; and
    (c) Access and accommodation for other modes of transportation.


Sec.  170.456  How can a Tribe request an exception from the design 
standards?

    (a) A Tribe can request an exception from the required design 
standards from FHWA. The engineer of record (the State licensed civil 
engineer whose name and professional stamp appear on the PS&E or who is 
responsible for the overall project design) must submit written 
documentation with appropriate supporting data, sketches, details, and 
justification based on engineering analysis.
    (b) FHWA can approve a project design that does not conform to the 
minimum criteria only after giving due consideration to all project 
conditions, such as:
    (1) Maximum service and safety benefits for the dollar invested;
    (2) Compatibility with adjacent features; and
    (3) Probable time before reconstruction of the project due to 
changed conditions or transportation demands.
    (c) FHWA has 30 days from receiving the request to approve or 
decline the exception.


Sec.  170.457  Can a Tribe appeal a denial?

    Yes. Tribes may appeal the denial of a design exception to: FHWA 
Office of Federal Lands Highway, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., HFL-1, 
Washington, DC 20590. If FHWA denies a design exception, the Tribe may 
appeal the decision Office of the FHWA Administrator, 1200 New Jersey 
Ave. SE., HOA-1, Washington, DC 20590.

Review and Approval of Plans, Specifications and Estimates


Sec.  170.460  What must a project package include?

    The project package must include the following documentation, 
approved by the appropriate Public Authority, before the start of 
construction:
    (a) Plans, specifications, and estimates;
    (b) A Tribal resolution or other authorized document supporting the 
project;
    (c) Certification of compliance with the requirements of 25 CFR 
part 169, as well as any additional public taking documentation 
clearances, if applicable.
    (d) Required environmental, archeological, and cultural clearances; 
and
    (e) Identification of design exceptions if used in the plans.


Sec.  170.461  May a Tribe approve plans, specifications, and 
estimates?

    An Indian Tribal government may approve plans, specifications and 
estimates and commence road and bridge construction with funds made 
available from the TTP through a self-determination contract, self-
governance agreement, Program Agreement or other appropriate agreement, 
developed in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 202(b)(6) & (b)(7), if the 
Indian Tribal government:
    (a) Provides assurances in the contract or agreement that the 
construction will meet or exceed applicable health and safety 
standards;
    (b) Obtains advance review of the plans and specifications from a 
State-licensed civil engineer that has certified that the plans and 
specifications meet or exceed the applicable health and safety 
standards;
    (c) Provides a copy of the certification under paragraph (a) of 
this section to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government 
Affairs, Department of Transportation, or the Assistant Secretary--
Indian Affairs, DOI, as appropriate; and
    (d) Provides a copy of all project documentation identified in 
Sec.  170.460 to BIA or FHWA before the start of construction.


Sec.  170.463  What if a design deficiency is identified?

    If the Secretaries identify a design deficiency that may jeopardize 
public health and safety if the facility is completed, they must:
    (a) Immediately notify the Tribe of the design deficiency and 
request that the Tribe promptly resolve the deficiency under the 
standards in Sec.  170.454; and
    (b) For a BIA-prepared PS&E package, promptly resolve the 
deficiency under

[[Page 78483]]

the standards in Sec.  170.454 and notify the Tribe of the required 
design changes.

Construction and Construction Monitoring


Sec.  170.470  Which construction standards must Tribes use?

    (a) Tribes must either:
    (1) Use the approved standards referred to in Sec.  170.454; or
    (2) Request approval for any other road and highway bridge 
construction standards that are consistent with or exceed the standards 
referred to in Sec.  170.454.
    (b) For designing and building eligible intermodal projects funded 
by the TTP, Tribes must use either:
    (1) Nationally recognized standards for comparable projects; or
    (2) Tribally adopted standards that meet or exceed nationally 
recognized standards for comparable projects.


Sec.  170.471  How are projects administered?

    (a) When a Tribe carries out a TTP project, the project will be 
administered in accordance with a self-determination contract, self-
governance agreement, Program Agreement or other appropriate agreement 
and this regulation.
    (b) If BIA or FHWA discovers a problem during an on-site monitoring 
visit, BIA or FHWA must promptly notify the Tribe and, if asked, 
provide technical assistance.
    (c) Only the State-licensed professional engineer of record whose 
name and professional stamp appear on the PS&E or who is responsible 
for the overall project design may change a TTP project's PS&E during 
construction.
    (1) The original approving agency must review each substantial 
change. The approving agency is the Federal, Tribal, State, or local 
entity with PS&E approval authority over the project.
    (2) The approving agency must consult with the affected Tribe and 
the entity having maintenance responsibility.
    (3) A change that exceeds the limits of available funding may be 
made only with the approving agency's consent.


Sec.  170.472  What construction records must Tribes and BIA keep?

    The following table shows which TTP construction records BIA and 
Tribes must keep and the requirements for access.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Records that must
         Record keeper                 be kept       Access requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Tribe......................  All records         BIA and FHWA are
                                  required by         allowed access to
                                  ISDEAA and 25 CFR   Tribal TTP
                                  900.130-131 or 25   construction and
                                  CFR 1000.243 and    approved project
                                  1000.249, as        specifications as
                                  appropriate.        required under 25
                                                      CFR 900.130,
                                                      900.131, 25 CFR
                                                      1000.243 and
                                                      1000.249, or the
                                                      Program Agreement
                                                      as appropriate.
(b) BIA........................  Completed daily     Upon reasonable
                                  reports of          advance request by
                                  construction        a Tribe, BIA must
                                  activities          provide reasonable
                                  appropriate to      access to records.
                                  the type of
                                  construction it
                                  is performing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  170.473  When is a project complete?

    A project is considered substantially complete when all work is 
completed and accepted (except for minor tasks yet to be completed 
(punch list)) and the project is open to traffic. The project is 
completed only after all the requirements of this section are met.
    (a) At the end of a construction project, the public authority, 
agency, or organization responsible for the project must make a final 
inspection. The inspection determines whether the project has been 
completed in reasonable conformity with the PS&E.
    (1) Appropriate officials from the Tribe, BIA, responsible public 
authority, and FHWA should participate in the inspection, as well as 
contractors and maintenance personnel.
    (2) All project information must be made available during final 
inspection and used to develop the TTP construction project closeout 
report. Some examples of project information are: Daily diaries, weekly 
progress reports, subcontracts, subcontract expenditures, salaries, 
equipment expenditures, as-built drawings, etc.
    (b) After the final inspection, the facility owner makes final 
acceptance of the project. At this point, the Tribe or BIA must 
complete a project closeout and final accounting of all TTP 
construction project expenditures under Sec.  170.474.
    (c) If applicable, all documents required by 25 CFR part 169 must 
be completed.


Sec.  170.474  Who conducts the project closeout?

    The following table shows who must conduct the TTP construction 
project closeout and develop the report.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the project was completed by                        and the closeout
             . . .                   then . . .       report must . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) BIA........................  The region          (1) Summarize the
                                  engineer or         construction
                                  designee is         project records to
                                  responsible for     ensure compliance
                                  closing out the     requirements have
                                  project and         been met;
                                  preparing the      (2) Review the bid
                                  report.             item quantities
                                                      and expenditures
                                                      to ensure
                                                      reasonable
                                                      conformance with
                                                      the PS&E and
                                                      modifications;
                                                     (3) Be completed
                                                      within 120
                                                      calendar days of
                                                      the date of
                                                      acceptance of the
                                                      TTP construction
                                                      project; and
                                                     (4) Be provided to
                                                      the affected
                                                      Tribes and the
                                                      Secretaries.
(b) A Tribe....................  Agreements          (1) Meet the
                                  negotiated under    requirements of
                                  ISDEAA, or other    ISDEAA;
                                  appropriate        (2) Comply with 25
                                  agreements          CFR 900.130(d) and
                                  specify who is      131(b)(10) and 25
                                  responsible for     CFR 1000.249, or
                                  closeout and        the Program
                                  preparing the       Agreement, as
                                  report.             applicable;
                                                     (3) Be completed
                                                      within 120
                                                      calendar days of
                                                      the date of
                                                      acceptance of the
                                                      project; and
                                                     (4) Be provided to
                                                      all parties
                                                      specified in the
                                                      agreements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 78484]]

Management Systems


Sec.  170.502  Are nationwide management systems required for the TTP?

    (a) To the extent appropriate, the Secretaries, in consultation 
with Tribes, will implement safety, bridge, pavement, and congestion 
management systems for the Federal and Tribal facilities included in 
the NTTFI.
    (b) A Tribe may develop its own Tribal management system based on 
the nationwide management system requirements in 23 CFR part 973. The 
Tribe may use either TTP formula funds or transportation planning funds 
defined in 23 U.S.C. 202(c) for this purpose. The Tribal system must be 
consistent with Federal management systems.

Tribal Transportation Facility Bridges


Sec.  170.510  What funds are available for Tribal Transportation 
Facility Bridge activities?

    Funds are made available in 23 U.S.C. 202(d) for improving 
deficient bridges eligible for the TTP.


Sec.  170.511  What activities are eligible for Tribal Transportation 
Facility Bridge funds?

    (a) The activities that are eligible for 23 U.S.C. 202(d) funding 
are:
    (1) Carrying out any planning, design, engineering, 
preconstruction, construction, and inspection of a bridge project to 
replace, rehabilitate, seismically retrofit, paint, apply calcium 
magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally 
acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and deicing composition; or
    (2) Implementing any countermeasure for deficient Tribal 
transportation facility bridges, including multiple-pipe culverts.
    (b) Further information regarding the use and availability of these 
funds can be found at 23 CFR part 661.


Sec.  170.512  How will Tribal Transportation Facility Bridge funds be 
made available to the Tribes?

    Funds made available to Tribes under 23 U.S.C. 202(d) may be 
included in the Tribe's self-determination contracts, self-governance 
agreements, Program Agreements, and other appropriate agreements.


Sec.  170.513  When and how are bridge inspections performed?

    (a) All bridges identified on the NTTFI must be inspected under 23 
U.S.C. 144.
    (b) Employees performing inspections as required by Sec.  
170.513(a) must:
    (1) Notify affected Tribes and State and local governments that an 
inspection will occur;
    (2) Offer Tribal and State and local governments the opportunity to 
accompany the inspectors; and
    (3) Otherwise coordinate with Tribal and State and local 
governments.
    (c) The person responsible for the bridge inspection team must meet 
the qualifications for bridge inspectors as defined in 23 U.S.C. 144.


Sec.  170.514  Who reviews bridge inspection reports?

    The person responsible for the bridge inspection team must send a 
copy of the inspection report to BIADOT. BIADOT:
    (a) Reviews the report for quality assurance and works with FHWA to 
ensure the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 144 are carried out; and
    (b) Furnishes a copy of the report to the BIA Regional Office, 
which will forward the copy to the affected Tribe.

Appendix A to Subpart D--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--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.

Subpart E--Service Delivery for Tribal Transportation Program

Funding Process


Sec.  170.600  What must BIA include in the notice of funds 
availability?

    (a) Upon receiving the total or partial fiscal year of TTP funding 
from FHWA:
    (1) BIA will send a notice of funds availability to each BIA 
Regional Office and FHWA that includes the TTP Tribal share funding 
available to each Tribe within each region; and
    (2) BIA and FHWA will forward the information to the Tribes along 
with an offer of technical assistance.
    (b) BIA and FHWA will distribute Tribal share funds to eligible 
Tribes upon execution of all required agreements or contracts between 
BIA/

[[Page 78485]]

FHWA and the Tribe. This distribution must occur:
    (1) Within 30 days after funds are made available to the Secretary 
under this paragraph; and
    (2) Upon execution of all required agreements or contracts between 
BIA/FHWA and the Tribe.
    (c) Funds made available under this section must only be expended 
on projects and activities identified in an FHWA-approved TTIP. The 
TTPTIP (see Sec.  170.424) is available on the BIA Transportation and 
FHWA Web sites.


Sec.  170.602  If a Tribe incurs unforeseen construction costs, can it 
get additional funds?

    The TTP is a Tribal shares program based upon a statutory funding 
formula. Therefore, no additional TTP funding beyond each Tribe's share 
is available for unforeseen construction costs. However, a Tribe may 
reprogram their TTP Tribal shares from other projects or activities 
identified on their FHWA-approved TTIP to cover unforeseen costs. In 
addition, if a Tribe is operating under a self-determination contract, 
it may request that additional dollars from its TTP Tribal share funds 
be made available for that project under 25 CFR 900.130(e).

Miscellaneous Provisions


Sec.  170.605  May BIA or FHWA use force-account methods in the TTP?

    When requested by a Tribe, BIA or FHWA may use force-account 
methods in carrying out the eligible work of the TTP. Applicable 
Federal acquisition laws and regulations apply to BIA and FHWA when 
carrying out force-account activities on behalf of a Tribe.


Sec.  170.606  How do legislation and procurement requirements affect 
the TTP?

    Other legislation and procurement requirements apply to the TTP as 
shown in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Applies to Tribes   Applies to Tribes                          Applies to
Legislation, regulation or other      under self-         under self-      Applies to Tribes      activities
           requirement               determination        governance       under BIA or FHWA   performed by the
                                       contracts          agreements      program agreements       Secretary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Indian Act..................  No................  No................  No................  Yes.
Buy American Act................  No................  No................  No................  Yes.
Federal Acquisition Regulation    No(a).............  No................  No................  Yes.
 (FAR).
Federal Tort Claims Act.........  Yes...............  Yes...............  Yes...............  Yes.
Davis-Bacon Act.................  Yes(b)............  Yes(b)............  Yes(b)............  Yes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Unless agreed to by the Tribe or Tribal organization under ISDEAA, 25 U.S.C. 450j(a), and 25 CFR 900.115.
(b) Does not apply when Tribe performs work with its own employees.

Sec.  170.607  Can a Tribe use its allocation of TTP funds for contract 
support costs?

    Yes. Contract support costs are an eligible item out of a Tribe's 
TTP allocation and must be included in a Tribe's project construction 
budget.


Sec.  170.608  Can a Tribe pay contract support costs from DOI or BIA 
appropriations?

    No. Contract support costs for TTP construction projects cannot be 
paid out of DOI or BIA appropriations.


Sec.  170.609  Can a Tribe receive additional TTP funds for start-up 
activities?

    No. Additional TTP funding for start-up activities is not 
available.

Contracts and Agreements


Sec.  170.610  Which TTP functions may a Tribe assume?

    A Tribe may assume all TTP functions and activities that are 
otherwise contractible and non-inherently Federal under self-
determination contracts, self-governance agreements, Program 
Agreements; and other appropriate agreements. The appendix to this 
subpart contains the list of program functions that cannot be 
subcontracted. Administrative support functions are an eligible use of 
TTP funding.


Sec.  170.611  What special provisions apply to ISDEAA contracts and 
agreements?

    (a) Multi-year contracts and agreements. The Secretary can enter 
into a multi-year TTP self-determination contract and self-governance 
agreement with a Tribe under sections 105(c)(1)(A) and (2) of ISDEAA. 
The amount of the contracts or agreements is subject to the 
availability of appropriations.
    (b) Consortia. Under title I and title IV of ISDEAA, Tribes and 
multi-tribal organizations are eligible to assume TTPs under consortium 
contracts or agreements. For an explanation of self-determination 
contracts, refer to title I, 25 U.S.C. 450f. For an explanation of 
self-governance agreements, see title IV, 25 U.S.C. 450b(l) and 
458b(b)(2).
    (c) Advance payments. The Secretary and the Tribe must negotiate a 
schedule of advance payments as part of the terms of a self-
determination contract under 25 CFR 900.132.
    (d) Design and construction contracts. The Secretary can enter into 
a design/construct TTP self-determination contract that includes both 
the design and construction of one or more TTP projects. The Secretary 
may make advance payments to a Tribe:
    (1) Under a self-determination design/construct contract for 
construction activities based on progress, need, and the payment 
schedule negotiated under 25 CFR 900.132; and
    (2) Under a self-governance agreement in the form of annual or 
semiannual installments as indicated in the agreement.


Sec.  170.612  Can non-contractible functions and activities be 
included in contracts or agreements?

    Non-contractible TTP functions and activities cannot be included in 
self-determination contracts, self-governance agreements, Program 
Agreements, or other agreements. The appendix to this subpart contains 
a list of TTP functions and activities that cannot be contracted.


Sec.  170.613  What funds are used to pay for non-contractible 
functions and activities?

    (a) The administrative expenses funding identified in 23 U.S.C. 
202(a)(6) are used by the BIA and FHWA transportation personnel when 
performing non-contractible functions and activities, including:
    (1) Program management and oversight; and
    (2) Project-related administration activities.
    (b) If a Tribe enters into a Program Agreement with FHWA under 23 
U.S.C. 202(b)(7), the program agreement may include such additional 
amounts as the Secretary of Transportation determines would equal the 
amount that would have been withheld for the costs of the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs for administration of the program or project.

[[Page 78486]]

Sec.  170.614  Can a Tribe receive funds before BIA publishes the final 
notice of funding availability?

    A Tribe can receive funds before BIA publishes the final notice of 
funding availability required by Sec.  170.600(a) when partial year 
funding is made available to the TTP through continuing resolutions or 
other Congressional actions.


Sec.  170.615  Can a Tribe receive advance payments for non-
construction activities under the TTP?

    Yes. A Tribe must receive advance payments for non-construction 
activities under 25 U.S.C. 450l for self-determination contracts on a 
quarterly, semiannual, lump-sum, or other basis proposed by a Tribe and 
authorized by law.


Sec.  170.616  How are payments made to Tribes if additional funds are 
available?

    After an Agreement between BIA or FHWA and the Tribe is executed, 
any additional funds will be made available to Tribes under the terms 
of the executed Agreement.


Sec.  170.617  May a Tribe include a contingency in its proposal 
budget?

    (a) A Tribe with a self-determination contract may include a 
contingency amount in its proposed budget under 25 CFR 900.127(e)(8).
    (b) A Tribe with a self-governance agreement may include a project-
specific line item for contingencies if the Tribe does not include its 
full TTP funding allocation in the agreement.
    (c) The amounts in both paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must 
be within the Tribal share made available or within the negotiated 
ISDEAA contract or agreement.


Sec.  170.618  Can a Tribe keep savings resulting from project 
administration?

    All funds made available to a Tribe through the 23 U.S.C. 202(b) 
are considered ``tribal'' and are available to the Tribe until 
expended. However, they must be expended on projects and activities 
referenced on an FHWA-approved TTPTIP.


Sec.  170.619  Do Tribal preference and Indian preference apply to TTP 
funding?

    Tribal preference and Indian preference apply to TTP funding as 
shown in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                If . . .                            Then . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) A contract serves a single Tribe...  Section 7(c) under Title 1 of
                                          ISDEAA allows Tribal
                                          employment or contract
                                          preference laws, including
                                          Tribe local preference laws,
                                          to govern.
(b) A contract serves more than one      Section 7(b) under Title 1 of
 Tribe.                                   ISDEAA applies.
(c) A self-governance agreement exists   25 CFR 1000.406 applies.
 under Title IV of ISDEAA.
(d) A Program Agreement................  The language of the Program
                                          Agreement applies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  170.620  How do ISDEAA's Indian preference provisions apply?

    This section applies when the Secretary or a Tribe enters into a 
cooperative, reimbursable, or other agreement with a State or local 
government for a TTP construction project. The Tribe and the parties 
may choose to incorporate the provisions of section 7(b) of ISDEAA in 
the agreement.


Sec.  170.621  What if a Tribe doesn't perform work under a contract or 
agreement?

    If a Tribe fails to substantially perform work under a contract or 
agreement:
    (a) For self-determination contracts, the Secretary must use the 
monitoring and enforcement procedures in 25 CFR 900.131(a) and (b) and 
ISDEAA, part 900 subpart L (appeals);
    (b) For self-governance agreements, the Secretary must use the 
monitoring and enforcement procedures in 25 CFR part 1000, subpart K; 
or
    (c) For FHWA or BIA TTP Agreements, the Secretaries will use the 
procedures identified in the Agreements.


Sec.  170.622  What TTP functions, services, and activities are subject 
to the self-governance construction regulations?

    All TTP design and construction projects and activities, whether 
included separately or under a program in the agreement, are subject to 
the regulations in 25 CFR part 1000, subpart K, including applicable 
exceptions.


Sec.  170.623  How are TTP projects and activities included in a self-
governance agreement?

    To include a TTP project or activity in a self-governance 
agreement, the following information is required:
    (a) All work must be included in the FHWA-approved TTPTIP; and
    (b) All other information required under 25 CFR part 1000, subpart 
K.


Sec.  170.624  Is technical assistance available?

    Yes. Technical assistance is available from BIA, the Office of 
Self-Governance, and FHWA for Tribes with questions about contracting 
the TTP or TTP projects.


Sec.  170.625  What regulations apply to waivers?

    The following regulations apply to waivers:
    (a) For self-determination contracts, 25 CFR 900.140 through 
900.148;
    (b) For self-governance agreements, 25 CFR 1000.220 through 
1000.232; and
    (c) For direct service, 25 CFR 1.2.


Sec.  170.626  How does a Tribe request a waiver of a Department of 
Transportation regulation?

    A Tribe can request a waiver of a Department of Transportation 
regulation as shown in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   If the Tribe's contract or                        then the Tribe must
    agreement is with . . .           and . . .             . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The Secretary..............  the contract is a   follow the
                                  self-               procedures in
                                  determination       ISDEAA, Title I,
                                  contract.           and 25 CFR 900.140
                                                      through 900.148.
(b) The Secretary..............  the agreement is a  follow the
                                  Tribal self-        procedures in 25
                                  governance          CFR 1000.220
                                  agreement.          through 1000.232.
(c) The Secretary of                                 make the request to
 Transportation.                                      the Secretary of
                                                      Transportation at:
                                                      1200 New Jersey
                                                      Ave. SE., HFL-1,
                                                      Washington, DC
                                                      20590.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 78487]]

Sec.  170.627  Can non-TTP funds be provided to a Tribe through an FHWA 
Program Agreement, BIA TTP Agreement or other appropriate agreement?

    In addition to all funds made available under chapter 2 of title 
23, the cooperation of States, counties, and other local subdivisions 
may be accepted in construction and improvement of a Tribal 
transportation facility. In accordance with 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(9), any 
funds received from a State, county, or local subdivision may be 
credited by the Secretaries to appropriations available for the TTP. 
Subject to an agreement among the Tribe, BIA or FHWA, and the State, 
county, or local subdivision that addresses the purpose and intent of 
the funds such funds may be provided to the Tribe through an a self-
determination contract, self-governance agreement, Program Agreement or 
other appropriate agreement developed in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 
202(b)(6) & (b)(7).

Appendix to Subpart E--List of Program Functions That Cannot Be 
Subcontracted

    Per Sec.  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;

[[Page 78488]]

    (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.

Subpart F--Program Oversight and Accountability


Sec.  170.700  What is the TTP national business plan?

    The TTP national business plan delineates the respective roles and 
responsibilities of BIA and FHWA in the administration of the TTP and 
the process used for fulfilling those roles and responsibilities.


Sec.  170.701  May a direct service Tribe and BIA Region sign a 
Memorandum of Understanding?

    Yes. A direct service Tribe and BIA Region may sign a Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU). A TTP Tribal/BIA Region MOU is a document that a 
direct service Tribe and BIA may enter into to help define the roles, 
responsibilities and consultation process between the BIA regional 
office and the Indian Tribal government. It describes how the TTP will 
be carried out by BIA on the Tribe's behalf.


Sec.  170.702  What activities may the Secretaries review and monitor?

    The Secretaries review and monitor the performance of all TTP 
activities.


Sec.  170.703  What program reviews do the Secretaries conduct?

    (a) In accordance with title 23, the national business plan, 2 CFR 
part 200, and the Program Agreement or other appropriate agreements, 
BIADOT and FHWA shall conduct formal program reviews of BIA Regional 
Offices or Tribes to examine program procedures and identify 
improvements. For a BIA Regional Office review, the regional Tribes 
will be notified of these formal program reviews. Tribes may send 
representatives to these meetings at their own expense.
    (b) The review will provide recommendations to improve the program, 
processes and controls of management, planning, design, construction, 
financial and administration activities.
    (c) After the review, the review team shall:
    (1) Make a brief oral report of findings and recommendations to the 
Tribal leadership or BIA Regional Director; and
    (2) Within 60 days, provide a written report of its findings and 
recommendations to the Tribe, BIA, all participants, and affected 
Tribal governments and organizations.


Sec.  170.704  What happens when the review process identifies areas 
for improvement?

    When the review process identifies areas for improvement:
    (a) The Tribe or regional office must develop a corrective action 
plan within 60 days;
    (b) BIADOT and FHWA review and approve the plan;
    (c) FHWA may provide technical assistance during the development 
and implementation of the plan; and
    (d) The reviewed Tribe or BIA regional office implements the plan 
and reports either annually or biennially to BIADOT and FHWA on 
implementation.

Subpart G--Maintenance


Sec.  170.800  What funds are available for maintenance activities?

    (a) Under 23 U.S.C. 202(a)(8), a Tribe can use TTP funding for 
maintenance, within the following limits, whichever is greater:
    (1) 25 percent of its TTP funds; or

[[Page 78489]]

    (2) $500,000.
    (b) These funds can only be used to maintain the public facilities 
included in the NTTFI.
    (c) Road sealing activities are not subject to this limitation.
    (d) BIA retains primary responsibility, including annual funding 
request responsibility, for BIA road maintenance programs on Indian 
reservations.
    (e) The Secretary shall ensure that funding made available under 
the TTP for maintenance of Tribal transportation facilities for each 
fiscal year is supplementary to, and not in lieu of, any obligation of 
funds by the BIA for road maintenance programs on Indian reservations.


Sec.  170.801  Can TTP funds designated on an FHWA-approved TTIP for 
maintenance be used to improve TTP transportation facilities?

    No. The funds identified for maintenance on a FHWA-approved TTIP 
cannot be used to improve roads or other TTP transportation facilities 
to a higher road classification, standard or capacity.


Sec.  170.802  Can a Tribe perform road maintenance?

    Yes. A Tribe may enter into self-determination contracts, self-
governance agreements, program agreements, and other appropriate 
agreements to perform Tribal transportation facility maintenance.


Sec.  170.803  To what standards must a Tribal transportation facility 
be maintained?

    Subject to availability of funding, Tribal transportation 
facilities must be maintained under either:
    (a) A standard accepted by BIA or FHWA (as identified in the 
official Tribal Transportation Program guide on either the BIA 
transportation Web site at http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/BIA/OIS/Transportation/index.htm or the Federal Lands Highway--Tribal 
Transportation Program Web site at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/guide/), or
    (b) Another Tribal, Federal, State, or local government maintenance 
standard negotiated in an ISDEAA road maintenance self-determination 
contract or self-governance agreement.


Sec.  170.804  Who should be contacted if a Tribal transportation 
facility is not being maintained to TTP standards due to insufficient 
funding?

    The Tribe may notify BIA or FHWA if the Tribe believes that a 
facility on the NTTFI is not being adequately maintained to the 
standards identified in Sec.  170.803. If BIA or FHWA determines that a 
Tribal transportation facility is not being maintained, it will:
    (a) Notify the facility owner;
    (b) Provide a draft copy of the report to the affected Tribe for 
comment before forwarding it to Secretary of Transportation; and
    (c) Report these findings to the appropriate office within FHWA.


Sec.  170.805  What maintenance activities are eligible for TTP 
funding?

    TTP maintenance funding support a wide variety of activities 
necessary to maintain facilities identified in the NTTFI. A list of 
eligible activities is shown in the appendix to this part.

Appendix to Subpart G--List of Eligible Maintenance Activities Under 
the Tribal Transportation Program

    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.

Subpart H--Miscellaneous Provisions

Reporting Requirements and Indian Preference


Sec.  170.910  What information on the TTP or projects must BIA or FHWA 
provide?

    All available public information regarding the TTP can be found on 
the BIA transportation Web site at http://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/BIA/OIS/Transportation/index.htm or the Federal Lands Highway--Tribal 
Transportation Program Web site at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/programs/ttp/. If a Tribe would like additional information that is not 
available on the Web sites, the Tribe should contact FHWA or BIA 
directly. FHWA and BIA will then provide direction or assistance based 
upon the Tribe's specific request.


Sec.  170.911  Are Indians entitled to employment and training 
preferences?

    (a) Federal law gives hiring and training preferences, to the 
greatest extent feasible, to Indians for all work performed under the 
TTP.
    (b) Under 25 U.S.C. 450e(b), 23 U.S.C. 140(d), 25 U.S.C. 47, and 23 
U.S.C. 202(a)(3), Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic 
enterprises are entitled to a preference, to the greatest extent 
feasible, in the award of contracts, subcontracts and sub-grants for 
all work performed under the TTP.


Sec.  170.912  Does Indian employment preference apply to Federal-aid 
Highway Projects?

    (a) Tribal, State, and local governments may provide an Indian 
employment preference for Indians living on or near a reservation on 
projects and contracts that meet the definition of a Tribal 
transportation facility. (See 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(12) and 140(d), and 23 
CFR 635.117(d).)
    (b) Tribes may target recruiting efforts toward Indians living on 
or near Indian reservations, Tribal lands, Alaska Native villages, 
pueblos, and Indian communities.
    (c) Tribes and Tribal employment rights offices should work 
cooperatively with State and local governments to develop contract 
provisions promoting employment opportunities for Indians

[[Page 78490]]

on eligible federally funded transportation projects. Tribal, State, 
and local representatives should confer to establish Indian employment 
goals for these projects.


Sec.  170.913  Do Tribal-specific employment rights and contract 
preference laws apply?

    Yes. When a Tribe or consortium administers a TTP or project 
intended to benefit that Tribe or a Tribe within the consortium, the 
benefitting Tribe's employment rights and contracting preference laws 
apply. (See Sec.  170.619 and 25 U.S.C. 450e(c))


Sec.  170.914  What is the difference between Tribal preference and 
Indian preference?

    Indian preference is a hiring preference for Indians in general. 
Tribal preference is a preference adopted by a Tribal government that 
may or may not include a preference for Indians in general, Indians of 
a particular Tribe, Indians in a particular region, or any combination 
thereof.


Sec.  170.915  May Tribal employment taxes or fees be included in a TTP 
project budget?

    Yes. The cost of Tribal employment taxes or fees may be included in 
the budget for a TTP project.


Sec.  170.916  May Tribes impose taxes or fees on those performing TTP 
services?

    Yes. Tribes, as sovereign nations, may impose taxes and fees for 
TTP activities. When a Tribe administers TTPs or projects under ISDEAA, 
its Tribal employment and contracting preference laws, including taxes 
and fees, apply.


Sec.  170.917  Can Tribes receive direct payment of Tribal employment 
taxes or fees?

    This section applies to non-tribally administered TTP projects. 
Tribes can request that BIA pay Tribal employment taxes or fees 
directly to them under a voucher or other written payment instrument, 
based on a negotiated payment schedule. Tribes may consider requesting 
direct payment of Tribal employment taxes or fees from other 
transportation departments in lieu of receiving their payment from the 
contractor.


Sec.  170.918  What applies to the Secretaries' collection of data 
under the TTP?

    (a) Under 23 U.S.C. 201(c)(6)(A), the Secretaries will collect and 
report data necessary to implement the TTP in accordance with ISDEAA, 
including, but not limited to:
    (1) Inventory and condition information on Tribal transportation 
facilities; and
    (2) Bridge inspection and inventory information on any Federal 
bridge open to the public.
    (b) In addition, under 23 U.S.C. 201(c)(6)(C), any entity that 
carries out a project under the TTP is required to provide the data 
identified in Sec.  170.240.

Tribal Transportation Departments


Sec.  170.930  What is a Tribal transportation department?

    A Tribal transportation department is a department, commission, 
board, or official of any Tribal government charged by its laws with 
the responsibility for transportation-related responsibilities, 
including but not limited to, administration, planning, maintenance, 
and construction activities. Tribal governments, as sovereign nations, 
have inherent authority to establish their own transportation 
departments under their own Tribal laws. Tribes may staff and organize 
transportation departments in any manner that best suits their needs. 
Tribes can receive technical assistance from TTACs, BIA regional road 
engineers, FHWA, or AASHTO to establish a Tribal transportation 
department.


Sec.  170.931  Can Tribes use TTP funds to pay Tribal transportation 
department operating costs?

    Yes. Tribes can use TTP funds to pay the cost of planning, 
administration, and performance of approved TTP activities (see Sec.  
170.116). Tribes can also use BIA road maintenance funds to pay the 
cost of planning, administration, and performance of maintenance 
activities under this part.


Sec.  170.932  Are there other funding sources for Tribal 
transportation departments?

    There are many sources of funds that may help support a Tribal 
transportation department. The following are some examples of 
additional funding sources:
    (a) Tribal general funds;
    (b) Tribal Priority Allocation;
    (c) Tribal permits and license fees;
    (d) Tribal fuel tax;
    (e) Federal, State, private, and local transportation grants 
assistance;
    (f) Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance fees (TERO); and
    (g) Capacity building grants from Administration for Native 
Americans and other organizations.


Sec.  170.933  Can Tribes regulate oversize or overweight vehicles?

    Yes. Tribal governments can regulate travel on roads under their 
jurisdiction and establish a permitting process to regulate the travel 
of oversize or overweight vehicles, under applicable Federal law. BIA 
may, with the consent of the affected Tribe, establish a permitting 
process to regulate the travel of oversize or overweight vehicles on 
the BIA road system.

Resolving Disputes


Sec.  170.934  Are alternative dispute resolution procedures available?

    (a) Federal agencies should use mediation, conciliation, 
arbitration, and other techniques to resolve disputes brought by TTP 
beneficiaries. The goal of these alternative dispute resolution (ADR) 
procedures is to provide an inexpensive and expeditious forum to 
resolve disputes. Federal agencies should resolve disputes at the 
lowest possible staff level and in a consensual manner whenever 
possible.
    (b) Except as required in 25 CFR part 900 and part 1000, Tribes 
operating under a self-determination contract or self-governance 
agreement are entitled to use dispute resolution techniques prescribed 
in:
    (1) The ADR Act, 5 U.S.C. 571-583;
    (2) The Contract Disputes Act, 41 U.S.C. 601-613; and
    (3) The ISDEAA and the implementing regulations (including for non-
construction the mediation and alternative dispute resolution options 
listed in 25 U.S.C. 4501 (model contract section (b)(12)).
    (4) Tribes operating under a Program Agreement with FHWA are 
entitled to use dispute resolution techniques prescribed in 25 CFR 
170.934 and Article II, Section 4 of the Agreement.


Sec.  170.935  How does a direct service Tribe begin the alternative 
dispute resolution process?

    (a) To begin the ADR process, a direct service Tribe must write to 
the BIA Regional Director, or the Chief of BIA Division of 
Transportation. The letter must:
    (1) Ask to begin one of the ADR procedures in the Administrative 
Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, 5 U.S.C. 571-583 (ADR Act); and
    (2) Explain the factual and legal basis for the dispute.
    (b) ADR proceedings will be governed by procedures in the ADR Act 
and the implementing regulations.

Other Miscellaneous Provisions


Sec.  170.941  May Tribes become involved in transportation research?

    Yes. Tribes may:
    (a) Participate in Transportation Research Board meetings, 
committees, and workshops sponsored by the National Science Foundation;
    (b) Participate in and coordinate the development of Tribal and TTP 
transportation research needs;

[[Page 78491]]

    (c) Submit transportation research proposals to States, FHWA, 
AASHTO, and FTA;
    (d) Prepare and include transportation research proposals in their 
TTPTIPS;
    (e) Access Transportation Research Information System Network 
(TRISNET) database; and
    (f) Participate in transportation research activities under 
Intergovernmental Personnel Act agreements.


Sec.  170.942  Can a Tribe use Federal funds for transportation 
services for quality-of-life programs?

    (a) A Tribe can use TTP funds:
    (1) To coordinate transportation-related activities to help provide 
access to jobs and make education, training, childcare, healthcare, and 
other services more accessible to Tribal members; and
    (2) As the matching share for other Federal, State, and local 
mobility programs.
    (b) To the extent authorized by law, additional grants and program 
funds are available for the purposes in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section from other programs administered by the Departments of 
Transportation, Health and Human Services, and Labor.
    (c) Tribes should also apply for Federal and State public 
transportation and personal mobility program grants and funds.

    Dated: October 7, 2016.
Lawrence S. Roberts,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2016-26141 Filed 11-4-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4337-15-P