H.R. 8188 — Tribal Roads Improvement Act

This section states congressional findings concerning roads on or providing access to Tribal lands, including that approximately 160,000 miles exist with an estimated 65% in poor or failing condition; inadequate road grading contributes to vehicle damage, emergency response delays, reduced economic development, and community isolation; poor conditions disproportionately limit access to healthcare, education, employment, and essential services; current federal funding addresses less than 35% of needs; Tribal governments can efficiently manage road grading with adequate resources and flexibility; and improvements fulfill federal trust responsibilities and promote Tribal self-determination.

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to conduct a study not later than three years after the date of enactment assessing the impact of removing the limitation on road grading funds in the tribal transportation program (TTP) under 23 U.S.C. chapter 2. The study must determine (1) the number of Indian tribes spending at least 25% of their TTP funds or $500,000 on road grading; (2) the number of miles of tribal roads graded; (3) improvements in road condition ratings on tribal transportation facilities (as defined in 23 U.S.C. §101); (4) impacts on tribal economic development, emergency response times, and community access; (5) tribal satisfaction with the added flexibility; and (6) employment of tribal members in road grading projects. Not later than two years after completing the study, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress containing the results and recommendations on the continued need for tribal road grading and ways to support such initiatives.