Tribal Transit Programs Partnering with Transit Agencies

1. Tribal Transit Programs Partnering with Transit Agencies James Foster

2. Purpose & Objectives • Understanding Cultural Dynamics • Coordinating Tribal Transit Programs • Partnering with Tribal Businesses • Evaluating Tribal Government’s Perspective • Defining the limitations of each Tribe’s Environment (utilization of transit funds) • Building Tribal relationships • Reflecting on Morongo’s current transportation projects

3. Tribal Transit Program • The purpose of the Tribal Transit Program is: to enhance public transportation access on and around Indian reservations in non-urbanized areas; to assist in development, maintenance, improvement, and use of public transportation systems on and around Indian reservations.

4. Tribal Transit Funding • TRIBAL TRANSIT PROGRAM FUNDS [Public Transportation on Indian Reservations 5311(c)]SAFETEA-LU created a new Tribal Transit Program; it is funded as takedown under the Section 5311 program. Under the Tribal Transit Program, Federally-recognized Indian tribes are eligible direct recipients. Based upon an annual national competitive selection process, FTA awards Tribal Transit grants directly to eligible Indian tribes.

5. Tribal Transit Funding Program • FTA Section 5311(c) TTP funds can be used for any purpose authorized under the Section 5311 program, including public transportation capital projects, operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation, planning, and the acquisition of public transportation services, and service agreements with private providers of public transportation.

6. Tribal Transit Projects • Establishing a Transit Agency • Transit Fix and Adjusting Route • Transit Vehicle Replacement Program • Roads and/or Bridges Program • Transit Planning and Consultant Program • Park and Ride Station and/or Rideshare Program

7. Tribal Transit Projects • Transit Facilities • Tribal Dial-a-Ride Services • Employee Transit Incentive Program • Transportation Capital Projects • Service Agreements with Private Providers of Public Transportation

8. Cultural Dynamics Sovereignty is a key component that influences a Tribe’s decision making process Native American culture is rich with traditions and customs The “Family” cultural dynamic is the driving force behind decision making Tribes strive to be self sufficient to sustain their heritage and cultural needs

9. Business • The need to sustain business partnerships is critical for Tribes to reach their goal of self sufficiency • Grant funding needs to include Tribal businesses in order to supply: employee benefits, planning development, and economic growth

10. Business…(cont.) • In most instances, Tribal businesses are required to follow Federal, State, and local guidelines • State Compacts allow Tribes to maneuver gaming operations • Tribal businesses impact the local economy and provide employment opportunities for the surrounding communities

11. Government • Most Tribal Governments are ran by elected council members (which are usually elected by the tribal general membership) • A majority of Tribal Governments control and direct all operations of the tribe- cultural, business, political involvement • Tribal Government’s role is to protect the interests of the tribe

12. Government…(cont.) • Transit funds must meet the needs of each tribe • Needs should include: roads, vehicles, proper land use & development, and the livelihood of tribal members

13. Environment • Comprehending the demographics of each Reservation location is essential for the transit grant process • Demographics range from city, rural, country and suburban locations • A Tribe’s location represents a different transit grant application process; which reflects it’s demographic needs

14. Building Tribal Relationships • Cultural awareness is essential in establishing positive tribal relationships • Honesty and reassurance of trust is beneficial during the process • Transit agencies need to be mindful of tribal sovereignty, cultural heritage, business and political objectives • Tribes may be reluctant to comply with certain transit grant criteria because it may contradict tribal objectives

15. Building Tribal Relationships (cont.) Transit agencies can invite tribal officials to local transportation committee meetings State and City agencies can extend invitations to tribal officials to be a part of economic development/planning committees; which will assist with gaining support for tribal transit projects Both entities can host “Meet and Greet” functions to start the relationship process

16. Morongo Band of Mission IndiansRecent Transportation Projects • Roundabout off the Interstate 10 Hwy 2007 • Received 2010 National Clean Diesel EPA Grant • Placed a Transit Stop at MCRS 2009 • Amtrak California Bus stop at MCRS 2011 • Morongo held the Vice Chair Person position on the T-Now committee for 2010 & 2011

17. Morongo’s Roundabout Project General information about the roundabout: • This is the first roundabout that has been built in District 8 • The roundabout was constructed in approximately 6 months • The Tribe funded 100% of the project • The roundabout was built as mitigation for the traffic that comes to the Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa, the outlet malls, and other businesses in the area.

18. Morongo’s Roundabout Project The roundabout increased the Apache Trail Interchange Level of Service (LOS) Tremendously. It went from and "F" to an "A" When planning and designing the roundabout several factors were taken into consideration, including the mandatory twenty (20) year traffic forecasting, required by Caltrans, which takes into account or includes in the forecasting formula an increase in traffic over the twenty year period. The reason for this is so that we understand at what point the project LOS begins to breakdown and not be effective.

19. Roundabout during construction

20. Other Transportation Projects California Amtrak Bus Stop at MCRS MCRS Transit Stop

21. Personal Actions with Building Relationships with Local Transit Agencies • Introduced to the San Gorgonio Pass Transportation Now (T-Now) committee in 2008 • Coordinated Transit Stop Shelter project for MCRS 2009 • Nominated for Youth Chair Person and Secretary of the T-Now Committee • Coordinated and Supported RTA's “Go Pass” event for Mt San Jacinto College • Project Coordinator for the Youth T-Now Safety Awareness PowerPoint “Rabbus” Presentation

22. Personal Actions with Building Relationships with Local Transit Agencies Organized and provided support to Sun Lines Transit in their effort to acquire a support letter from Morongo for their transit grant application Held the Youth Chair Person position on the T-Now committee for 2010 & 2011

23. Summary Establishing and maintaining tribal relationships are the key factors that must be initiated by local transit agencies. Cultural and economic awareness will benefit transit agencies with building & maintaining tribal business relationships. Communication- e-mails, letters, phone conversations, and work shops are affective; however, face to face interactions should take precedence when dealing with tribes.

24. Presenter • CEO/President of Foster’s CDE Consulting Business • Tribal Operations for 11years • California State School Bus Instructor • US Department of Transportation TSI Instructor • Graduated from University of Pacific Transit & Para Transit Management Certificate Program • Homeland Security Emergency Management Specialist

25. Q & A