Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) introduced the Indian School Bus Route Safety Reauthorization Act on Thursday to provide more funds to improve school bus routes in Indian Country.

The bill reauthorizes the Indian School Bus Route program that was created in 1998. It would boost funding to $10.8 million over the next six years. Current funding is $9 million.

Bingaman says the poor condition of the roads threatens child safety. Of the 55,000 miles of highways that run through tribal lands, more than half are unpaved.

Get the Story:
Bill aims to help kids get to school (The Farmington Daily Times 1/28)

Relevant Links:
TEA-21 Reauthorization - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reauthorization
Tribal Transportation, DOT - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/natvamrc/index.htm

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