The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program continues to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. From electric vehicle charging stations to intermodal transit improvements to carpooling, State and local governments rely on CMAQ to fund transportation projects that contribute to cleaner air. All CMAQ-funded projects result in tangible emissions reductions across several pollutants—ozone precursors, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. This flexible funding source can help meet the needs of an ever-changing transportation landscape.
In the last five years, CMAQ provided $8.96 billion to fund more than 8,500 projects across the 17 eligible project categories. Some notable examples include the following:
Alternative fuels and vehicles projects improve air quality and reduce public exposure to harmful emissions. Converting public fleets, such as school buses or public transportation fleets, have the added benefit of raising awareness about the importance of reducing emissions in local communities. In the last five years, 163 alternative fuel and vehicle projects across 21 states have received more than $135.1 million in CMAQ funding. For example:
Seattle, WA: The Washington State Ferry Hybrid Electric Ferry Conversion Project funded the procurement of equipment to aid in the transition to a zero-carbon emission ferry fleet. This project included conversion of two Jumbo Mark II Class vessels to hybrid electric propulsion and integration of battery storage technology into the existing diesel electric propulsion systems. Estimated emission reduction: 436 kg/day CO, 854 kg/day NOx, 44 kg/day PM2.5
Bicycle and pedestrian projects account for one of the largest shares of funding under the CMAQ program. In the last five years, 1,760 bicycle and pedestrian projects across 40 States received nearly $1.2 billion in CMAQ funding. Bicycle and Pedestrian projects facilitate reduced personal car use, can improve public safety through expanded bike lanes and safe bicycling education, and can also accommodate new technologies such as electric bikes. For example:
Chicago, IL: The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) launched a bikeshare program using more than $20 million in CMAQ funding. The program continues to grow and CDOT is modernizing and expanding the system to include electric bikes and electric scooters. Estimated emissions reduction:
2.67 kg/day VOC and 2.04 kg/day NOx
An intermodal approach to planning, building, and operating the transportation system optimizes the use and connections between transportation modes (e.g., highway, maritime, aviation, rail). CMAQ funds projects that work toward solutions of intermodal operations to increase transportation efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve energy use. In the last five years, 26 freight and intermodal projects across 7 States received $32.2 million in CMAQ funding. For example:
Cincinnati, OH: A new rail line was constructed to reroute train traffic and relieve freight train congestion experienced by 85 percent of trains in the corridor. The project leveraged $5 million in CMAQ funds and contributed to reduced congestion at truck and rail grade crossings and shifted truck freight to rail. Estimated emissions reduction: 26 kg/day VOC, 130 kg/day CO, and 395 kg/day NOx
In the last five years, 195 public education and outreach projects across 24 states have received more than $116.8 million CMAQ dollars. Often incorporated as part of travel demand management programs, these projects can help raise awareness about the benefits of reducing single-occupancy car travel and the range of other shared transportation options in the local community. For example:
Atlanta, GA: Georgia Commute Options deployed $16 million of CMAQ funding to a network of transportation nonprofits and transit providers for commuters switching from driving alone to clean commute options—public transit, telework, carpool, vanpool, biking, and walking. Funds went to incentive programming including guaranteed rides home, discounted transit passes, and trip planning. Estimated emission reduction (in 2017): 114 kg/day VOC, 288 kg/day NOx, 7.3 kg/day PM2.5
As transportation demands continue to evolve and practitioners face the impacts of changing populations, aging infrastructure, and new technologies, the CMAQ program will continue to provide an opportunity to maximize State and local transportation investments that drive emissions reductions. Whether researching new opportunities for CMAQ funding, facilitating the planning process, or reporting on an existing project, the CMAQ website has tools and guidance to assist at each step, such as:
For CMAQ Tools & Resources, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/
The CMAQ funding process and project evaluation criteria varies by state. Contact your State DOT CMAQ representative for the latest information about your local process.
