Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) Approximately 160,000 miles of roads exist on or provide access to Tribal lands, with an estimated 65 percent in poor or failing condition. (2) Inadequate road grading on Tribal lands contributes to increased vehicle damage, emergency response delays, reduced economic development opportunities, and isolation of Tribal communities. (3) Poor road conditions disproportionately impact Tribal members’ access to healthcare, education, employment, and essential services. (4) Current Federal funding for Tribal road maintenance addresses less than 35 percent of identified needs. (5) Tribal governments possess the capacity and expertise to manage road grading projects efficiently when provided adequate resources and regulatory flexibility. (6) Improving Tribal road infrastructure serves Federal trust responsibilities and promotes Tribal self-determination.