The Ninilchik Village Tribe has been selected to receive fiscal year 2024 funding from the Tribal Transit Program through the Federal Transit Administration, DOT announced on Jan. 13.
The program supports public transportation for federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages, groups or communities. According to the release, this funding is “vital” to help tribes meet the needs of their citizens, including elders, people with disabilities, and youth Indian Country.
“Federally supported projects in this round of grants range from helping tribal and village leaders buy transit vans to transitioning to greener vehicles, to upgrading scheduling and dispatch systems. Many of this year’s grants also provide significant support for regular Tribal transit operations,” the release states.
The FTA announced Jan. 13 the allotment of $9.6 million in grants to 26 American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native communities in 14 states to improve their public transit systems.
The Ninilchik Village Tribe in Alaska will receive $509,038 to buy a new transit van to replace an aging vehicle and better support operations, allowing the tribe to extend service from three days a week to five.
“The Tribe will close transportation gaps on the Kenai Peninsula, offering a convenient and affordable travel option for tribal residents and connecting them to essential services,” the release states.
Find more information about the Tribal Transit Program at www.transit.dot.gov/tribal-transit.