WASHINGTON, D.C. – Strengthening transportation infrastructure, expanding tribal self-governance and improving access to federal resources were at the center of discussions Tuesday during the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Tribal Government Affairs Modal Day at DOT Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Held August 25 under the theme, “The Road Ahead: Strengthening Transportation in Tribal Communities,” the gathering brought together tribal representatives, transportation organizations and federal partners to discuss solutions to transportation challenges across Indian Country.
James A. Crawford, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, opened the gathering with an overview of the office and its work with Tribal Nations. Milo Booth, Director of the Office of Tribal Government Affairs, provided an overview of the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program, which allows eligible tribes to assume greater control over certain USDOT funding and transportation activities through negotiated agreements, supporting greater local decision-making.
Discussions throughout the day covered road and bridge infrastructure, road maintenance, public transit, transportation funding, federal grant opportunities and technical assistance. Transportation safety was also a major focus, including roadway-departure crashes, tribal safety plans, crash-data collection and resources available to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
Federal officials and transportation partners also discussed workforce development and pathways connecting Native students with careers in aviation, maritime transportation and other transportation fields.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, alongside representatives from the Navajo Division of Transportation (NDOT) and Navajo Nation Washington Office (NNWO), attended the discussions to hear about federal programs and opportunities that could strengthen transportation across the Navajo Nation.
“Without roads, there’s really no tribal sovereignty. I think that strong roads in our communities really help us redefine ourselves, redefine our communities. It really helps us build our communities up,” President Nygren said.
President Nygren emphasized the need for continued collaboration and greater investment to build safer, stronger and more reliable transportation systems for Navajo communities.
