Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program
The Bureau of Planning and Community Assistance administers the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program. The Program specifically provides assistance for air quality improvement and congestion mitigation projects.
The 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) established the CMAQ Program, substantially expanding the focus and purpose of Federal transportation funding and programs to address air quality. The program continued under the current Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act.
Eligible projects or programs for the use of CMAQ funds include those which would result in an air quality benefit and are likely to contribute to the attainment of national ambient air quality standards.
Typical items eligible for funding under this category are:
- Alternative fuel projects including participation in vehicle acquisitions, engine conversions, and refueling or charging facilities.
- Projects that improve traffic flow, including efforts to provide signal system optimization, construct HOV lanes, streamline intersections, add turning lanes, improve transportation systems management and operations, implementing ITS and other CMAQ-eligible projects, including efforts to improve incident and emergency response or improve mobility, such as through real time traffic, transit and multimodal traveler information.
- Transit investments, including transit vehicle acquisitions and construction of new facilities or improvements to facilities that increase transit capacity, as well as operating assistance for new services or the incremental cost of expanded services.
- Transportation-focused (non-recreational) bicycle transportation and pedestrian improvements that provide a reduction in single-occupant vehicle travel.
- Transit investment, including transit vehicle acquisitions and construction of new facilities or improvements to facilities that increase transit capacity, as well as operating assistance for new services or the incremental cost of expanded services.
The CMAQ program is a federally funded reimbursement program that provides up to 80% of funds for projects that improve air quality by reducing the amount of vehicular emissions.
For more information on the CMAQ program contact Tom Jameson, P.E. CMAQ Program Manager at (603)271-3462 or email at thomas.e.jameson@dot.nh.gov
The current CMAQ selection round is underway and has 30 million total funds available. There are 36 projects that have been selected for funding.
Schedule
- Summer 2023 - Spring 2024 - GACIT, Governor and Legislative public hearings for the Draft 2025 - 2034 Ten Year Plan, including CMAQ applications.
- June 2024 - 2025-2034 Ten Year plan approved by Governor.
- Summer 2024 - CMAQ applicants are notified that their application will be funded.
- Once projects are scheduled for funding, municipal agreements will be sent to communities for signatures, and then NHDOT will work with the community to allow project to begin design.
For more information on the Transportation Alternative Program click on the Federal Highway Admistration (FHWA) link below.
CMAQ - Air Quality - Environment - FHWA (dot.gov)
Training for LPA "Person in Responsible Charge"
Selected communities must designate a full -time employee as the person in responsible charge.This person must have authority to make financial decisions for the sponsoring organization. This individual must be LPA certified by the Department. If you are currently certified and seeking recertification you can request a test vs. attending the day long training. Please see links below for information.