Oklahoma Tribal Nations Help Fund U.S. Roads

Often downplayed of their role in both planning efforts and in the economy, tribal governments are working collaboratively with other local governments in Oklahoma to help build and maintain roads.

1 minute read

June 29, 2012, 7:00 AM PDT

By Andrew Gorden


The nation's tribal governments, like other levels of governments in the U.S. receive federal funds for the construction and maintenance of roads. As Jarrel Wade, of Tulsa World reports, "The Indian Reservation Roads Program provides funds for the planning, designing, construction and maintenance of roads on Indian reservations, trust land, restricted Indian land and Alaska native villages..." In Oklahoma alone, "...tribes, 44 in total, received almost $67 million in 2011...," reports Wade.

Not only are the roads of the Oklahoman Tribal Nations benefiting, but, "[i]n Oklahoma, many of those areas are shared, and non-Indian Oklahomans benefit from the upkeep and construction of those roadways...The relationship between the tribes and the various local roads departments banks on good relationships as they reach agreements to fund projects that are mutually beneficial, officials said," reports Wade.

In the Cherokee Nation along, about 200 lane miles are on schedule to be constructed, stated Michael Lynn, director of the Cherokee Nations roads department.

Monday, June 25, 2012 in Tulsa World

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business