Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) is a federal-aid program of the Federal Highway Administration created under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991.

The CMAQ authorizing statutes have since been amended to allow minimum apportionment states to use funds for CMAQ authorized uses throughout the state rather than just in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas. 

CMAQ is designed to fund transportation projects and programs that contribute to the attainment or maintenance of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

In Wyoming, three main objectives have been set for CMAQ funds:

  • Maintaining and/or bringing areas  into attainment with the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter; 
  • Enabling local governments to alleviate the air-quality issues created by energy development and other industrial activity in their vicinities;
  • Supplement the STP program throughout the state as determined by the Wyoming Transportation Commission.

Application and Funding Information

WYDOT provides $2 million each year of passthrough funding for local governments to administer CMAQ projects. The application is made available on or around July 1st of each year with a minimum application period of 45 days. 

Projects selected for funding are eligible for reimbursement of expenses on a Federal Share basis of 80/20.  Typically, request for funding far exceed the program allocation and overmatch by the project sponsor is encouraged.

Preference is given to projects in energy and industrially impacted areas designed to mitigate airborne particulate matter. The project application should address the current air-quality conditions and how the proposed project will improve these conditions. Applicants should also address their plans for both pre-project and post-project air-quality monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of the project.

Other project types may be considered as outlined in the FHWA guidance on a case-by-case basis.

Project Selection

Typically, CMAQ projects are proposed by the affected county government.  The county, or its duly authorized representative, will submit the application that clearly identifies the project boundaries.

Applications are compiled by the Local Government Coordination (LGC) Office and reviewed by an Advisory Selection Committee. The committee is appointed by the Wyoming Transportation Commission and is currently comprised of members nominated by the following entities:

  • The Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA);
  • The Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA);
  • The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ);
  • The Office of the Governor of Wyoming;
  • Federal agencies (Federal Highway Administration - FHWA).

A listing of historical projects can be found here. A map of historical Safe Routes to School projects can be found here.

Please Contact:

 

 
Local Programs Coordinator
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 777-4862

The application period for the FY2024 Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program (CMAQ) funding is now open

 

The FY2024 Congestion Mitigation Air Quality application period is open now through Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Key dates for FY2024 CMAQ funding can be found in the application cover letter linked below.

Please note that the project sponsor must have an employee with a current LPA certification at the time of award to be eligible for FY2024 CMAQ funds.  The next LPA  Certification course will be held in October 2023, in Casper.

If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (307) 777-4862.

 

FY2024 CMAQ Application Cover Letter

FY2024 CMAQ Application Packet

LPA Certification Course Registration