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CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Year

1997(ISTEA)

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Authorization*

$1, 029M

$1,193M

$1,345M

$1,358M

$1,385M

$1,407M

$1,434M

* Authorizations shown here will be augmented by a portion of Minimum Guarantee funds.

Program Purpose

The primary purpose of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) is to fund projects and programs in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas for ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), and small particulate matter (PM-10) which reduce transportation related emissions.

Distribution of Funds

Prior to apportionment, the following funds are to be set aside:

CMAQ Effectiveness Study - $500,000 to be set aside in each of fiscal years 1999 and 2000 for a study on the effectiveness of the CMAQ program (air quality, congestion relief, economic potential). [1110(e)]

Remaining funds are to be distributed according to a formula based on population and severity of pollution, as under existing law, with the following changes [1103]:

Transfer of Funds [1310(c)]

Up to 50% of the amount by which the apportionment for the fiscal year exceeds the amount that would have been apportioned for that fiscal year if the program had been funded at $1.35 billion annually may be transferred to STP, NHS, IM, and/or Bridge.

Transferred funds may only be used in nonattainment and maintenance areas.

Areas Eligible for Funding [1110(b)]

Expands the areas that are eligible to receive CMAQ funding to include:

Limits eligibility of nonattainment and maintenance areas designated prior to December 31, 1997 to areas classified submarginal through extreme for ozone, and moderate or serious for CO and PM-10.

Eligible Activities

Expands eligibility to include :

Provides States which receive the minimum apportionment of 1/2% with some flexibility to use CMAQ funds for STP-eligible purposes. [1110(c)]

Partnership Provisions [1110(d)]

Provides greater flexibility for public/private partnerships by allowing States to allocate CMAQ funds to private and non-profit entities for land, facilities, vehicles and project development activities.

Limits eligibility of partnerships on alternative fuel projects to the incremental vehicle cost over a conventionally-fueled vehicle.

Prohibits use of CMAQ funds for nongovernmental partnerships on projects that are required under the Clean Air Act, the Energy Policy Act or other Federal laws.

September 14, 1998


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