Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality

CMAQ Fact Sheet

Overview: The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) helps communities with air quality problems invest in less-polluting transportation alternatives, including bicycling and walking facilities.  The total amount authorized in the final bill for CMAQ is about 26 percent higher than in TEA-21, at $8.6 billion; once ‘equity bonus’ funds are distributed to the states a total of about $10 billion will be available through 2009 (see state-by-state funding chart).  In the past, about five percent of the total  funds have gone to bicycle and pedestrian projects, but this varies widely by location.    While funding has gone up, more metro areas will be

But bicycling and walking projects can play an important role in a robust CMAQ program, and bicycle advocates should pursue them.  Helping Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) line up a series of small, ready-to-go bicycle and pedestrian projects can help ensure that when CMAQ money is released from the state, they are ready to spend it.  This will help MPOs show progress every year in using CMAQ funds to get and/or stay in compliance with air quality standards. This is a case where well-informed advocates can really help MPOs get access to the most funding. 

FHWA Fact Sheet

Location in law: 1101(a)(5), 1103(d), 1808 

What’s New: Federal Program Guidance

For the first time CMAQ funds may be used for retrofitting diesel vehicles and states are directed to make such retrofits a priority, ‘cost-effective’ measure.  New guidance will be issued on this aspect of the program, and the USDOT will consult with the Environmental Protection Agency to assess a sample of CMAQ projects to determine the air quality and congestion benefits.  USDOT will also develop and maintain a database of impacts.  Bicycle advocates should be prepared to argue for the long-term air quality benefits of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, as opposed to the short term benefit of retrofitting diesel equipment that will be replaced in just a few years. 

Who distributes the money?

CMAQ funds come to the state, but most of this funding is programmed by  Metropolitan Planning Organizations as part of a broader plan to reduce air pollution.  The funding can be disbursed to non-profits and private entities.  CMAQ will provide 80 percent of funding, with a 20 percent local match required in most cases.  The FHWA provides basic information on how to access CMAQ funds.

Where can I learn more?

• FHWA CMAQ website; start with the brochure to learn the basics.
• Get to know the people in your MPO who work with CMAQ projects.

• The America Bikes contact person for this program area coming soon.
• Links to state and local advocacy and resources coming soon.

State by state funding details 

The funding actually distributed as a result of SAFETEA-LU will be higher than the authorized level in most states because of the distribution of an ‘equity bonus,’ formerly known as the ‘Minimum Guarantee.’  The Equity Bonus program is meant to ensure that each state receives a minimum rate of return on contributions to the Highway Trust Fund, among other considerations.  Most of the funds from this program are distributed among many existing programs, and this distribution is reflected in the funding table.