FHWA Grant Opportunities for Tribal Transportation Projects


NWTTAP can help Tribes apply before the July 16 deadline

Northwest Tribal Technical Assistance Program (NWTTAP) is sharing several Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) discretionary grant opportunities currently open to Tribal applicants. These programs provide significant funding to support transportation infrastructure, environmental restoration, and community mobility improvements.

๐Ÿ“… Application Deadline: July 16, 2026

If your Tribe is considering applying, NWTTAP is here to help you navigate these opportunities.


Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP)

Total Funding Available: $165 million
Expected Awards: ~10
Award Range: $1 โ€“ $30 million

Supports the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of nationally significant transportation projects serving Federal and Tribal lands.

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362659


Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grants

Total Funding Available: $800 million
Expected Awards: ~50
Award Range: $0 โ€“ $800 million

Funds the replacement, removal, or repair of culverts and weirs to improve fish passage and restore aquatic connectivity.

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362658


Type 3 Highway Bridge Replacement & Rehabilitation (BIT3)

Total Funding Available: $800 million
Expected Awards: ~50
Award Range: $1 โ€“ $25 million

Supports replacement or rehabilitation of eligible Type 3 bridges meeting federal eligibility criteria.

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362657


Suggested Application Timeline

To stay competitive, NWTTAP recommends the following general timeline leading up to the July 16 deadline:

Now โ€“ Early Project Development (Immediately)
Identify your project, confirm eligibility, and begin internal coordination. Engage leadership and partners early.

Late June โ€“ Partner Coordination and Scoping
Refine project scope, confirm technical details, identify match (if needed), and gather supporting documentation. Reach out to NWTTAP for guidance.

Early July โ€“ Draft Application Materials
Prepare narrative responses, cost estimates, benefit descriptions, and supporting data. Begin internal review.

1โ€“2 Weeks Before Deadline
Finalize application materials, complete required forms, and submit for internal approvals.

Final Week (Before July 16)
Submit application through Grants.gov. Avoid last-minute submission issues by applying early.


How NWTTAP Can Support You

NWTTAP is available to assist Tribal agencies at every stage of the application process. We can help you think through project ideas, strengthen your application, understand requirements, and connect with technical resources or partners.

Whether you are just getting started or already drafting a proposal, early engagement can make a meaningful difference in competitiveness.


Get in Touch

If you are interested in applying or would like support, contact NWTTAP for assistance:

๐Ÿ“ง kirk1914@uw.edu
๐ŸŒ www.nwttap.org


NWTTAP is committed to supporting Tribal transportation programs and helping bring federal resources into your communities.

Published by Kirk Vinish, AICP

Kirk Vinish, AICP is the TTAP Assistant Director at the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans), the USDOT Region 10 University Transportation Center housed in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Washington. He provides transportation technical assistance, project development support, and capacity-building services to public agencies and Tribal governments across the Pacific Northwest. Kirkโ€™s work focuses on practical implementation, funding strategy, and strengthening local transportation program delivery through applied research and partnership.

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