Through July 2024, California’s federally-recognized Tribes (Tribes) had not participated in federal formula programs that have been historically provided to State Departments of Transportation and passed on to local public agencies. In recognition of this, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians sponsored Assembly Bill 2261 of 2024, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Newsom. This milestone legislation recognized Tribes are eligible to apply and administer funding that would also benefit neighboring municipalities, counties, and regional governing bodies. California’s Tribes are now recognized to engage in a partnership with Caltrans to address vital transportation infrastructure projects on and near Reservation lands.
In July 2025, both the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe were believed to be the first in the nation to enter into these agreements to access and administer federal formula funding on behalf of and under the direct oversight of a State Department of Transportation.
Currently, many Tribes do not receive enough funding to maintain and enhance Indian Reservation Roads, and transportation facilities. Depending on the specific needs of the Tribe, the Caltrans Tribal Agreement has the potential to significantly increase the amount of available funding through programs that address safety, pedestrian and bicycle paths, road and bridge maintenance and replacement, and other related transportation programs.
The first project the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians endeavors to execute under this agreement will be the Dillon Road Bridge Replacement project. This bridge is well-traveled and endeavors to add sidewalks, medians, and bike lanes to improve safety for both motorized and active transportation traveling this crucial bridge spanning a stormwater channel.
The first project the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe endeavors to execute under this agreement will be to replace existing ferry dock fenders and other safety additions on the bay-watch ferry terminal in Lake Havasu. This joint project between California and Arizona will improve safety and Tribal access to medical facilities and everyday supplies.
Caltrans expresses gratitude to Chairman Darrell Mike and the Tribal Council of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, and Chairman Glenn Lodge and the Tribal Council of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe for their consideration and desire to partner with Caltrans.
For further information, please email the Caltrans, Division of Local Assistance at Caltrans.DLA@dot.ca.gov.