The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) are part of the Competitive Programs that East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) administers. CMAQ and CRP 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). The CRP program provides funding for projects designed to reduce transportation emissions, defined as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from on-road sources. Both programs are authorized by the current transportation law, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Eligible Activities
CMAQ and CRP 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 and CRP funds cannot be used for routine maintenance such as roadway resurfacing/reconstruction and projects that add new single occupant vehicle capacity vehicles. Transit/Rideshare projects are only eligible for CMAQ. Energy efficient construction equipment, lighting, and traffic control devices are only eligible for CRP.
Eligible Sponsors
CMAQ and CRP 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 and CRP 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
2025 CMAQ/CRP Application Cycle
On November 4, 2024, EWG opened a call for projects for STP-S, CMAQ/CRP, and TAP applications in Illinois and Missouri with applications due February 7, 2025. Applications and supplemental materials can be found on the call for projects page. EWG will host virtual project review meetings for project sponsors. Sponsors will be able to sign up for 30-minute project review meeting from 9:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. on the following days: January 9, 2025, January 10, 2025, January 16, 2025 and January 17, 2025. 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.
