Tribal transportation program

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded Cherokee Nation a Formula Grant of $13.9 million under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) on June 4, 2025. This award supports the Tribal Transportation Program, which provides federal financial assistance to tribal entities for transportation infrastructure development and improvement projects. As a federally recognized Native American tribal government, Cherokee Nation is an eligible recipient under the Federal-aid Highway Program authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with funds designated for highway planning, construction, preservation, and enhancement activities serving the Cherokee Nation's 14-county reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.

Under this formula grant, Cherokee Nation will utilize the $13.9 million to advance tribal transportation infrastructure priorities within its jurisdiction in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Consistent with Highway Planning and Construction program guidelines, eligible activities may include highway construction, bridge rehabilitation, roadway resurfacing, transportation safety enhancements, and multimodal transportation network improvements. The funds will be administered by Cherokee Nation in accordance with federal stewardship requirements, environmental review standards under the National Environmental Policy Act, and applicable regulations governing federal-aid highway programs and grant management.