The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program is part of the Competitive Programs that East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) administers. CMAQ projects, like all federally funded transportation projects, are included in the Transportation Improvement Program that EWG develops for the St. Louis region. The CMAQ program provides 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, including the St. Louis region, that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter (nonattainment areas) and for former non-attainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas). This program is authorized by the current transportation law, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Eligible Activities
CMAQ funds can be used for projects such as:
- Traffic flow improvements
- Demand management
- Shared ride services
- Bicycle and pedestrian facilities
- Transit vehicles/facilities
- Operating assistance for new transit projects
CMAQ funds cannot be used for routine maintenance such as roadway resurfacing/reconstruction and projects that add new single occupant vehicle capacity vehicles.
Eligible Sponsors
CMAQ funds are available to eligible Illinois and Missouri sponsors in the jurisdictions in the St. Louis region.
Eligible applicants include:
- A municipality
- A county
- A state
- Bi-State Development/Metro
- Madison County Transit District
- Great Rivers Greenway
Other agencies, such as not-for-profit organizations, must partner with an entity listed above.
Project Funds
CMAQ projects are funded with both federal and local funds at the following levels:
Both Illinois and Missouri Projects
- Up to 80% federal / 20% local funding for:
- Preliminary engineering
- Right of way acquisition
- Construction
- Construction engineering
2024 CMAQ Application Cycle
On November 3, 2023, EWG opened a call for projects for CMAQ applications in Illinois and Missouri with applications due February 8, 2024. Applications and supplemental materials can be found on the call for projects page. EWG will host virtual project review meetings for project sponsors. Sponsors are able to sign up for 30-minute project review meeting from 9:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. on the following days: January 5, 2024, January 12, 2024, January 19, 2024 and January 26, 2024. More information is available here.
CMAQ Program Guidance
- Review EWG’s CMAQ Project Development Workbook for more information about program requirements and eligibility.
- Review FHWA’s CMAQ Program Guidance for more information about the CMAQ program.
