H.R. 8188: Tribal Roads Improvement Act

This bill, titled the Tribal Roads Improvement Act, aims to address issues related to road conditions on Tribal lands in the United States. The main objectives of the bill are as follows:

Purpose of the Bill

• To improve road grading on Tribal lands by removing certain restrictions on funding.
• To conduct a study regarding the impacts of these changes on Tribal transportation and communities.

Findings

The bill begins with several findings regarding the current state of roads on Tribal lands:

• There are approximately 160,000 miles of roads that either are on or provide access to Tribal lands, with about 65 percent in poor condition.
• Poor road conditions contribute to various issues including vehicle damage, delays in emergency responses, and limited economic growth opportunities for Tribal communities.
• These conditions disproportionately affect Tribal members' access to essential services like healthcare and education.
• Current federal funding covers less than 35 percent of the recognized needs for maintaining Tribal roads.
• Tribal governments have the capability and expertise to manage road grading projects effectively if given the necessary resources and regulatory flexibility.
• Enhancing road infrastructure on Tribal lands aligns with federal responsibilities and supports Tribal self-determination.

Road Grading Changes

The bill proposes to amend existing law to include grading in the types of activities eligible for funding through Tribal transportation programs. This change aims to increase the effectiveness of road maintenance and improvements on Tribal lands.

Study Requirements

Within three years of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of the Interior is required to conduct a study to assess the effects of removing the funding restrictions related to road grading. This study should include:

• The number of Indian Tribes spending a specified percentage or amount of their TTP funds on road grading.
• The mileage of Tribal roads that have been graded following the removal of the funding limitations.
• Improvements in the condition ratings of Tribal roads.
• The impacts of better road conditions on economic development, emergency response times, and community access.
• The level of satisfaction among Tribal leaders regarding the increased flexibility in funding.
• The employment of Tribal members in road grading initiatives.

Reporting to Congress

After completing the study, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress within two years. This report will include:

• The findings from the study.
• Recommendations to support ongoing Tribal road grading needs and initiatives.

Definitions

The bill also includes definitions for certain terms used within the text, such as:

• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• Tribal transportation facility: Defined as per existing federal law.
• TTP: Refers to the Tribal Transportation Program.

Relevant Companies

• None found