Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
CSFA Number: 494-00-1003
Agency Name
Department Of Transportation (494)
Agency Identification
Partial GATA Exempt. Exempt if awardee is a LPA
Agency Contact
Christopher Schmidt
217-782-4134
christopher.schmidt@illinois.gov
Short Description
The CMAQ was created under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991[1], and reauthorized under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)[2], the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)[3], and, most recently, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).[4] Through Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, the CMAQ program has supported nearly 28,000 transportation projects across the country, accounting for nearly $30 billion in transportation investments since its inception in 1992. The FAST Act continued the CMAQ program to provide a flexible funding source to State and local governments for transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. Funding is available to reduce congestion and improve air quality for areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter (nonattainment areas) and for former nonattainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas).
Federal Authorization
FAST Act § 1114; 23 U.S.C. 149
Illinois Statue Authorization
N/A
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
23 USC 149, MAP-21
Objective
Funding is available to reduce congestion and improve air quality for areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter (nonattainment areas) and for former nonattainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas). (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheets/cmaqfs.cfm) Compliance with FAST Act § 1114; 23 U.S.C. 149 and applicable regulations
Prime Recipient
Yes
UGA Program Terms
All projects sponsors must follow the latest FHWA Guidance and applicable federal and state laws. This includes but is not limited to: 23 USC 149; 2 CFR 200; MAP-21; FAST Act; Any updates released through the federal register
Eligible Applicants
Government Organizations;
Applicant Eligibility
State and local governments located within a designated nonattainment area https://www.epa.gov/green-book
Beneficiary Eligibility
Communities surrounding and within nonattainment areas https://www.epa.gov/green-book
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Public Safety
Credentials / Documentation
General project eligibility can be found at the below address: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheets/cmaqfs.cfm Non-attainment areas in Illinois are Chicago and surrounding area and East St. Louis and surrounding counties. The Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) in those areas are tasked with Project Selection. All applicable documents and certification are outlined on their specific program websites you can fine below. This along with all applicable GATA registration are needed to apply for this program. Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/
Preapplication Coordination
All interested applicants should review the MPO guidance outlined in the Credentials/Documentation Section of this document. A State may obligate funds apportioned to it under section 104(b)(4) for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program only for a transportation project or program if the project or program is for an area in the State that is or was designated as a nonattainment area for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)) and classified pursuant to section 181(a), 186(a), 188(a), or 188(b) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7511(a), 7512(a), 7513(a), or 7513(b)) or is or was designated as a nonattainment area under such section 107(d) after December 31, 1997, or is required to prepare, and file with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, maintenance plans under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) and— (1)(A)(i) if the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator determines, on the basis of information published by the Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to section 108(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act (other than clause (xvi)) that the project or program is likely to contribute to— (I) the attainment of a national ambient air quality standard; or (II) the maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard in a maintenance area; and 23 U.S.C. 149 (b) Only two urbanized ares in Illinois qualify under this provision. Those areas are the Chicago Urbanized Area and the St. Louis Urbanized Area. The Metropolitan Planning Organizations in each of these areas assit the Department in project selection and award. Each area has a different application period and criteria. For more information please vist their program guidance pages via the Internet, they are listed below. Chicago: http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/cmaq/
Application Procedures
Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/
Criteria Selecting Proposals
Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/
Award Procedures
Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/
Deadlines
Deadlines vary by area. East West Gateway (St. Louis) typically does a call for projects yearly and Chicago Metropolitan Area for Planning has a call typically every two years. More info on each areas call for projects time frame can be fond on their websites. Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
6 to 9 months typically
Appeals
Review and approval of area programs are voted on by the respective areas MPO policy committee. The public is welcome to comment on project selection. There is no specific appeals mechanism for this program.
Renewals
Not Typical for this program. Typically an awarded project would amend the current agreement to add time, scope change, or increase funds with approval from MPO project selection committees.
Formula Matching Requirements
Phase II engineering, right-of-way acquisition (ROW), construction and implementation are eligible for CMAQ funding at 80% federal participation. Specific MPO policies differ with the match for various projects types and recipients. Review all guidance from the MPO websites for these specifics as they may change with each call for projects. Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/ The MPO may offer assistance for hardship communities but are not required. Any qualifying factors will be outlined on the MPO website listed above (Last section of #15 Application and Award Processing)
Uses and Restrictions
Eligible activities Funds may be used for a transportation project or program that is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard, with a high level of effectiveness in reducing air pollution, and that is included in the metropolitan planning organization’s (MPO’s) current transportation plan and transportation improvement program (TIP) or the current state transportation improvement program (STIP) in areas without an MPO. The FAST Act added eligibility for verified technologies for non-road vehicles and non-road engines that are used in port-related freight operations located in ozone, PM10, or PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance areas funded in whole or in part under 23 U.S.C. or chapter 53 of 49 U.S.C. [23 U.S.C. 149(b)(8)(A)(ii)] The Act also specifically makes eligible the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communications equipment. [23 U.S.C. 149(b)(9)] The FAST Act continues eligibility for electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle infrastructure and adds priority for infrastructure located on the corridors designated under 23 U.S.C. 151. [23 U.S.C. 149(c)(2)] The FAST Act amended the eligible uses of CMAQ funds set aside for PM2.5 nonattainment and maintenance areas. PM2.5 set-aside funds may be used to reduce fine particulate matter emissions in a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area, including– •diesel retrofits; •installation of diesel emission control technology on nonroad diesel equipment or on-road diesel equipment that is operated on a highway construction projects; and •the most cost-effective projects to reduce emissions from port-related landside nonroad or on- road equipment that is operated within the boundaries of the area. [23 U.S.C. 149(k)(2) & (4)] These are general program requirements list, please review each MPO website for specific requirements for that area. Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/ Funds may be used for a transportation project or program that is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard, with a high level of effectiveness in reducing air pollution, and that is included in the metropolitan planning organization’s (MPO’s) current transportation plan and transportation improvement program (TIP) or the current state transportation improvement program (STIP) in areas without an MPO. (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheets/cmaqfs.cfm)
Reports
Status reporting is required for both non-attainment areas. Specifics for each area can be found on their program sites. Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/
Audits
All projects are subject to GATA Audit requirements
Records
BoBS 2832 for quarterly reporting.
Account Identification
N/A
Obligations
$117,558,435.00 (FFY22)
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$10,000.00-78,000,000.00
Program Accomplishments
There are various examples on the FHWA website under the "CMAQ Project Spotlight" section. Including this project in Illinois. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/profile2.cfm
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
General Program Guidance can be fond at the below FHWA link. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/policy_and_guidance/ Specific guidance and regulations can be found at the two websites for the Metropolitan Planning Organizations serving the state's two non-attainment areas. Chicago Area: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq St. Louis Area: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/call-for-projects-cmaq/ Applicable Federal Laws, Regulations, Policy, and Guidance can be found at: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/laws_and_regs/
Regional or Local Assistance Location
There are various examples on the FHWA website under the "CMAQ Project Spotlight" section. Including this project in Illinois. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/profile2.cfm
Headquarters Office
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL
Program Website
https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/transportation-improvement-program/competitive-transportation-programs/cmaq/
Example Projects
Each CMAQ project must meet three basic criteria: it must be a transportation project, it must generate an emissions reduction, and it must be located in or benefit a nonattainment or maintenance area. Specific Project Types Eligible for CMAQ Funds (FAST Act § 1114; 23 U.S.C. 149 & Interim Program Guidance Under MAP-21) i. Transit: facilities, vehicles, equipment, and related activities, operating assistance for new transit service, etc. Include all transit projects whether administered by the FTA or the FHWA. ii. Shared Ride: vanpool and carpool programs and parking for shared-ride services. iii. Traffic Flow Improvements: traffic management and control services, signalization projects, ITS projects, intersection improvements, and construction or dedication of HOV lanes. iv. Demand Management: trip reduction programs, transportation management plans, flexible work schedule programs, vehicle restriction programs. v. Pedestrian/Bicycle: bikeways, storage facilities, promotional activities. vi. I/M and other TCMs: projects not covered by the above categories. vii. STP/CMAQ: projects funded with the flexible funds provided in those States receiving the minimum apportionment
Published Date
1/29/2021
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2015 : $110,000,000
FY 2016 : $110,000,000
FY 2017 : $107,047,163
FY 2018 : $109,444,033
FY 2019 : $111,825,951
FY 2020 : $114,231,439
FY 2021 : $1,166,886,710
FY 2022 : $117,558,435
FY 2025 : $127,299,951
FY 2026 : $129,845,950
Federal Funding
Notice of Funding Opportunities
Agency IDAward RangeApplication Range