Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) are two federally funded competitive transportation programs administered by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG). These programs aim to improve transportation infrastructure while meeting the environmental goals outlined in the Clean Air Act and reducing transportation-related carbon emissions. EWG develops and manages the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the St. Louis region, incorporating projects funded through CMAQ and CRP. These programs specifically target areas within the region that do not meet, or previously did not meet, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter. The CMAQ program provides flexible funding to state and local governments for transportation projects that help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The CRP program supports projects that specifically reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road transportation sources. Both programs are authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which guides transportation funding at the federal level. Together, CMAQ and CRP funds help support a broad range of transportation improvement activities that align with regional and national environmental objectives. Eligible activities for CMAQ and CRP funding include traffic flow improvements, demand management strategies, shared ride services, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, transit vehicle and facility upgrades, and operating assistance for new transit projects. Notably, CMAQ funds cannot be used for routine roadway maintenance or projects that add new single-occupant vehicle capacity. Similarly, CRP funds are targeted towards energy-efficient construction equipment, lighting, and traffic control devices but do not cover routine maintenance or vehicle capacity expansion. Transit and rideshare projects are exclusively eligible for CMAQ funding. CMAQ and CRP funds are available to eligible sponsors located in the St. Louis region, covering both Illinois and Missouri jurisdictions. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, states, Bi-State Development/Metro, Madison County Transit District, and Great Rivers Greenway. Nonprofit organizations and other agencies may also apply, but they must partner with one of the eligible entities listed. The funding structure typically involves up to 80 percent federal funding and 20 percent local funding, applicable to preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and construction engineering. For the 2025 CMAQ/CRP application cycle, EWG opened the call for project applications on November 4, 2024, with a submission deadline of February 7, 2025. Project sponsors could access applications and supplemental materials through the EWG call for projects page. Additionally, EWG hosted virtual project review meetings where sponsors could receive feedback and guidance on their proposals. These meetings were available by appointment on January 9, January 10, January 16, and January 17, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. EWG provides several resources to support applicants, including the CMAQ Project Development Workbook and the Federal Highway Administration’s CMAQ Program Guidance. For questions or further information, applicants can contact EWG staff at (314) 421-4220 or (618) 274-2750 or via email at cmaq@ewgateway.org. The program operates on a recurring basis as part of EWG’s ongoing efforts to improve regional transportation infrastructure and air quality outcomes.