Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program is a federally funded initiative administered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). It supports surface transportation improvements designed to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion across northeastern Illinois, which is a designated non-attainment area for federal air quality standards related to ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). CMAP also coordinates the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which targets reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources. Both funding programs align with the ON TO 2050 regional emissions reduction goals and are managed by the CMAQ, CRP, and TAP Project Selection Committee. The CMAQ and CRP programs encourage the development of a multimodal, efficient, accessible, and sustainable transportation network. Typical CMAQ-eligible projects include enhancements to transit services and infrastructure, improvements in traffic signalization and flow, direct emission reduction initiatives, and investments in pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Intelligent Transportation Systems are also eligible. However, some project types are explicitly ineligible for funding—these include capacity expansion for single-occupant vehicles, routine maintenance, and fuel purchase programs. The program supports new services but restricts funding for transit operations to the first three years only. For the Federal Fiscal Years 2026–2030 programming cycle, CMAP launched a formal Call for Projects beginning October 21, 2024. The call will remain open until December 20, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on October 30, 2024. The program timeline includes staff-recommended project announcements in April 2025, followed by a public comment period, a Project Selection Committee meeting, a Transportation Committee review, and a final approval by the MPO Policy Committee scheduled for June 2025. Eligible applicants include state agencies or governmental units with taxing authority, such as municipalities, counties, park districts, and transit agencies. Private entities and other organizations may apply in partnership with an eligible sponsor. All CMAQ and CRP awards require a 20 percent local match, which can be sourced from motor fuel tax revenues, Rebuild Illinois bond funds, state funds, or private contributions. Preliminary engineering (Phase I) is generally ineligible for reimbursement, although exceptions may be granted, especially for Cohort 4 communities where local match requirements may also be waived. Project applications will be evaluated based on three weighted criteria: cost benefit of emission reduction (50%), transportation impact (30%), and equity (20%). Each criterion has specific metrics depending on the type of project proposed. Applicants are encouraged to review the CMAQ and CRP application workbook available on the CMAP Call for Projects webpage for detailed scoring rubrics. For questions about specific projects, applicants should contact their designated Planning Liaison. General inquiries can be directed to CMAP at transportation@cmap.illinois.gov or by phone at 312-454-0400. Additional guidance and application materials, including the fact sheet and workbook, are available online at cmap.is/2024callforprojects.