Tribal Transit Mobility Grant

The Tribal Transit Mobility Grant program is administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as part of the state’s broader transportation and climate initiatives. The program is funded entirely through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which directs cap-and-invest revenue toward reducing climate pollution, improving public health, and supporting economic development. The Legislature established this program within the Move Ahead Washington transportation funding package, allocating up to $10 million per biennium over a 16-year period to support transportation solutions for tribal communities. For the 2025–2027 biennium, approximately $8.6 million has been made available for awards. The primary purpose of the Tribal Transit Mobility Grant program is to address the transportation needs of federally recognized tribal communities. The program supports projects that enhance access to public transportation, improve mobility options, and strengthen transit systems serving tribal populations. Funding is intended to support a wide range of transit-related activities, including capital investments, operational support, planning efforts, and mobility coordination initiatives. These efforts aim to improve connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability of transportation services in tribal areas. Eligible projects span several categories. Capital investments include the purchase of vehicles, equipment, technology systems, and transit infrastructure such as bus shelters. Planning activities may involve feasibility studies, service planning, coordination efforts, and assessments related to transit systems or zero-emission fleet transitions. Operating assistance is also eligible, covering expenses related to system operations, maintenance, paratransit services, and feeder routes. Additionally, mobility management projects that improve coordination among transportation providers and enhance user access to information are supported. Small construction projects, such as bus stop upgrades or facility improvements, are eligible up to $2.5 million per application, while large construction and ferry vessel purchases are explicitly excluded. The program is open exclusively to federally recognized tribes. New applicants are limited to proposing two-year projects, while applicants with prior WSDOT grant experience may propose either two-year or four-year projects. The performance periods correspond to state biennium cycles, specifically July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 for two-year projects, and extending through June 30, 2029 for four-year projects. Importantly, the program does not require any matching funds, reducing financial barriers for applicants and enabling broader participation among tribal governments. The application process is conducted through WSDOT’s Grants Management System. WSDOT provides technical assistance during the application window, and applications must be submitted by the specified deadline to be considered. Submitted applications undergo an initial review for completeness and eligibility before being evaluated by a panel of subject-matter experts. The evaluation criteria focus on factors such as the project’s ability to improve transportation services, address community needs, demonstrate feasibility, and align with broader transportation systems. Applicants must also show sufficient experience and financial capacity to successfully implement the proposed project. The timeline for the funding cycle includes a notice of funding opportunity in June, application availability in July, and a submission deadline in mid-September. Applications are reviewed in the fall, with recommendations submitted to the Legislature by December. Award notifications are expected in June following legislative approval of the transportation budget, with project implementation beginning at the start of the next biennium in July. The program operates on a recurring biennial cycle aligned with state budget periods, indicating future funding opportunities are expected on a similar schedule. Overall, the Tribal Transit Mobility Grant program represents a sustained investment in improving transportation equity and infrastructure for tribal communities in Washington State. By funding a broad range of transit-related activities without requiring matching funds, the program enables tribes to develop, expand, and sustain transportation systems that meet the unique needs of their communities while contributing to statewide climate and mobility goals.

Align project with community needs and demonstrate feasibility, coordination with other systems, and clear performance metrics