$2,500,000 awarded to lummi nation for rural and tribal assistance pilot program to support legal, technical, and financial advisors to help advance infrastructure projects

The Department of Transportation awarded a $2.5 million cooperative agreement to the Lummi Indian Business Council (doing business as the Lummi Tribe of Lummi Reservation) on August 24, 2026, under the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (CFDA 20.943) to support legal, technical, and financial advisors for infrastructure project development.

The funding supports advancement of the Slater Bridge Elevation and Bridge Project through advisory services and capacity-building activities. Deliverables include a work plan, quarterly reports, project deliverables, and compliance documentation under 2 CFR 200. The award benefits Lummi Nation residents.

The cooperative agreement runs through August 23, 2029, with place of performance in Washington. The full $2.5 million obligation was made at the award date.

The Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides early-stage development assistance to rural and tribal infrastructure projects by funding staff hiring or procurement of expert advisory services. The program serves federally recognized Indian tribes, units of local government outside urban areas of more than 150,000 residents, states advancing projects in such areas, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants whose proposed services materially advance project development and whose requested funding is viable for completing identified tasks and deliverables.

Activities to be performed: slater bridge elevation and bridge project. Deliverables/expected outcomes: work plan, quarterly reports, project deliverables and 2 CFR 200 compliance. Beneficiaries: lummi nation residents