This grant will help the native village of tununak provide transportation to the people of its community

The Native Village of Tununak received a $374,336 Project Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program (CFDA 20.509) on August 26, 2025. The grant funds the acquisition and operation of one Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant all-wheel-drive vehicle to provide regularly scheduled public transportation service connecting residents to critical community destinations including the airport, clinic, post office, store, tribal offices, and residential areas. The funding also supports operating expenses and preventive maintenance for the vehicle.

This transportation initiative directly addresses the severe accessibility challenges facing the remote Tununak community, located on Nelson Island 519 miles northwest of Anchorage, where extreme weather conditions, geographic isolation, and harsh winter environment make walking hazardous or impossible for vulnerable populations including elders, individuals with mobility issues, and children. By establishing reliable transportation infrastructure, the project improves community access to healthcare, economic opportunities, social services, and employment, while reducing isolation among the 616 residents of this traditional Yupik community, 95 percent of whom are Alaska Native.

Activities

The tribe will purchase one ADA-compliant AWD vehicle to provide regularly scheduled service to the airport clinic post office store tribal offices and homes. The grant will also provide operating support and preventive maintenance funding.

Expected outcomes

This project will improve access to and within the remote tununak alaska native village on nelson island 519 miles northwest of anchorage and better connect residents to jobs healthcare and economic opportunities.

Intended beneficiaries

General public and tribal members will be assisted. The native village of tununak is a remote alaska native village on nelson island 519 miles northwest of anchorage. The population of tununak is 616 and 95% of tununak is alaska native. Tununak is a traditional yupik community. The qaluyaarmiut people have lived on nelson island for at least 2000 years.