Copy from the Caltrans Division of Local Assistance
The Caltrans Division of Environmental Analysis/Cultural Studies
Office is surveying local and regional agencies in an effort to
establish more consistent statewide policies regarding the
participation and reimbursement of California Native American
Tribes (Tribes) in project environmental and cultural studies,
including tribal monitoring of transportation activities.
Providing reimbursements to culturally affiliated Tribes for
their participation during project delivery has been
inconsistently applied throughout the State. These
inconsistencies often strain diplomatic relationships between
Tribes, Caltrans, and local/regional agencies; as well as
adversely impact transportation project delivery efforts.
Caltrans is seeking to create clear and consistent guidance for
how and when to reimburse Tribal monitors/experts, including the
development of a toolbox of suitable reimbursement mechanisms and
direction for determining fair and reasonable reimbursement
rates. For an overview of current guidance and procedures on this
topic, please see Caltrans FAQ on Native American Consultation
and Consideration of Tribal Traditional Knowledge (pdf).
Your response to this less than three minute, five-question
survey is confidential and greatly appreciated, as it will assist
Caltrans in advancing the development of guidance for broad
mutual benefit among all parties.
