Tribal communities receive $8.5 million for safety improvements from federal government

More than $8.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration's Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund will be given to 82 tribes for improvements to transportation on tribal lands.

"Our nation's tribal communities deserve roads and bridges that are just as safe as any others, regardless of where they live," Transportation Secretary Anthony Fox said Monday. "By improving safety for drivers and their passengers on tribal lands, these important funds will enhance the quality of life for their communities."

Specifically, the funds will be used for 94 projects including safety planning, engineering improvements, enforcement and emergency services and tribal community education.

Grant recipients include the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians in California, Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux Tribes of Montana, the Kialegee Tribe of Oklahoma and the Nome Eskimo Community in Alaska.

"The importance of road safety isn't lost on tribal leaders," Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. "From fueling road repairs to expediting safety planning and data collection, these new funds will help to make tribal communities safer."