Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

Objective

The Formula Grants for Rural Areas Program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations less than 50,000. The Tribal Transit Formula and Competitive Programs provide funding to federally recognized tribes for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses in rural tribal communities.

Who Can Apply

• U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• Transit Authority
• Nonprofit Organization
• Local

Funds for the Rural Area and Tribal Transit Formula Programs are apportioned directly to the State Department of Transportation or Tribe. The Tribal Transit Competitive Program funds are distributed through a competitive process. State Departments of Transportation may allocate their Rural Area Formula funds to their chosen sub-recipients which may include other State agencies, local government organizations, nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, and operators of public transportation services, including intercity bus service, in rural areas. Private for-profit operators of transit or paratransit services may participate in the program only through contracts with eligible recipients. Private intercity bus operators may participate as subrecipients or through contracts. Urbanized areas, as defined by the Bureau of the Census, are not eligible. For the Tribal Transit Formula Program the only eligible applicants include are recognized Indian tribes. For the Tribal Transit Competitive Program, eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities as identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. Additionally, applicants must be located and provide service in a rural area with a population of 50,000 or less.

Who Benefits

• Private nonprofit institution/organization
• Anyone/general public
• State
• Local
• Public nonprofit institution/organization

The general public, both users and nonusers, and private and public providers of public transportation in nonurbanized areas.

Assistance Types

• Grant
• Grant

Program Contact

matthew.lange@dot.gov
(202) 366-2053