FHWA Q&A

1. How does the FHWA coordinate with the tribes?

   There is no formal process set up for communicating directly with the tribes. FHWA encourages tribal representatives to contact them either by phone or in person to learn more about federal funding programs and how to go about applying for them. FHWA can also advise you and provide the right contacts (ADOT, COG, etc.) to go to for action. Remember, Arizona uses the COG’s to plan and prioritize how STP funds from the feds are allocated.

2. How can tribes and states integrate better so that tribes get a larger piece of the FHWA pie?

   Communicate, communicate, communicate. Meetings and workshops are a good start but will need to be followed up on.

3. Can FHWA funds and programs be expanded to better serve rural communities/tribes for road improvement on roads “smaller” than “local” roads?

   We are not sure what is meant by “lower” than local roads. All publicly owned roads classified below rural minor collector or urban collector are classified as local. The only other category would be privately owned and no privately owned roads can receive federal funds. TEA-21 stipulates that up to 15% of statewide STP funds can be spent on rural minor collectors but is not mandatory. HBRRP, HES and Transportation Enhancement funds can be used on any publicly owned road regardless of functional classification. Any changes are dependent on Congress.

4. Who is the FHWA Tribal Coordinator? Who is the Native American coordinator in Washington, D.C.?

   Tim Penny is currently the FHWA Tribal Coordinator. He can be reached at (202) 366-2698.

5. Is there a cost for using the FHWA Resource Centers?

   There is no cost to use the Resource Centers.

6. Define collectors, arterials and local?

   Information can be obtained from FHWA’s website at: www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/fctoc.htm.

7. What are FHWA’s specific expectations for states to carry out the tribal consultation requirements of Title 23?

   Most, if not all, of the executive orders issued dealing with tribal coordination and consultation is for Federal agencies; FHWA cannot use these orders to provide expectations for the state. However, extensive work has been done during the past couple of years to improve consultation requirements and this forum is one example. FHWA wants to continue dialog with the tribes to enhance the overall effectiveness.

8. Will FHWA look favorably on approval of rural minor collectors functional classification requests to or from Indian reservation areas (low-volume traffic/unpaved roads)?

   A number of issues have to be reviewed. The guidelines put a limit on how many miles the state can have in each category both statewide and regionally. FHWA maintains a book with specific guidelines that they use. ADOT is doing reclassification of the system now. Tribes should work through their COGs to provide input. Volume is a key one and projected future volume, school, hospitals, etc. Please see: http://tpd.azdot.gov/gis/fclass/index.php

9. Under the Highway Trust Fund, how can the IRR funding be increased?

   Your voice needs to reach the House. Congress will then need to make their decisions.