Reservation Road Construction: Planning and Funding
for Tribes and Tribal Organizations
Construction

Is your tribe planning to improve its reservation roads? Do you have ongoing road and bridge maintenance issues? Are you building a new school, health clinic or other facility that requires road access?

If you’re involved in any aspect of planning or building roads in Indian Country, you need a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations related to reservation road construction. With legislation enacted in 2005 reauthorizing the Indian Reservation Roads program and increasing BIA funding for roads and bridges in Indian Country, you need to know about funding availability and how to ensure the maximum level for your tribe.

One of the keys to completing successful road construction projects is a thoughtful planning process that considers community input. This class will discuss the entire process, from completing a road inventory to planning with tribal leaders and members to developing a 20-year transportation plan. You’ll learn strategies for working effectively with external consultants and how to identify alternative sources of funding. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your transportation system and expand your infrastructure.

Topics that will be covered include:

Overview of Reservation Road Construction The Transportation Equity Act — A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) program BIA requirements: Road inventory 20-year transportation plan Tribal planning process The Planning Process Assessing current status and future needs Determining priorities Setting goals Estimating costs Key elements of a project management plan Appointing a coordinator/director Hiring a consultant Community Planning Involving tribal leaders and members Public consultation process — using meetings to gather input Developing a preliminary design, including facilities and roads Decision making: Determining which roads and facilities to build Setting a timeline Establishing a zoning ordinance Adopting an Official Community Plan (OCP) The 20-Year Transportation Plan Purpose and format Key components Providing the BIA with baseline data Amending the plan as priorities change Road Inventory Determining and providing information for the IRR inventory database Inventory format Role in determining IRR funding to each BIA area Preparing the inventory internally vs. hiring a contractor

Funding Road Construction Through the IRR Program “Core support” — what the BIA provides How funding formulas are determined How much to expect and how to get it Activities eligible for IRR funding Alternative Funding Sources Finding non-program funding sources Grant opportunities Incorporating the cost of roads into other projects (e.g., housing, school facilities, etc.) Determining the direct and indirect impacts of roads on specific projects Developing a funding strategy Rules and Regulations 25 CFR, Part 170 IRR policies and procedures Planning, designing, constructing and maintaining transportation facilities Tribal Transportation Allocation Methodology: Relative Need Formula (RNF) Cost to Improve (CI) calculation Proposed method of distributing IRR program construction funds Service delivery for Indian reservation roads: Indian preference vs. local preference in contracting Contract enforcement Applicability of the Buy Indian Act Self-determination contracts or selfgovernance agreements BIA road maintenance Program oversight and accountability Rights of way