Choctaws get stimulus funding

CHOCTAW — The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded funding to 100 transit projects on tribal lands that will share in $32 million under its Public Transportation on Indian Reservations program.

The $32 million, of which $17 million will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Tribal Transit Program, will pay for transit projects for tribes in 22 states. Proposed projects include new buses, vans and other capital equipment, as well as operations, transit planning, and the construction of new transit facilities. The $17 million in ARRA funds will cover 39 of the projects.

FTA national and regional staff members reviewed 152 proposals and selected 100 based on, among other criteria, planning and coordination, demonstration of need, benefits of the project, and financial commitment of the sponsoring organization.

The Mississippi Band of the Choctaw is receiving $192,000. The funds will be used for security fencing and an access drive.