The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program and the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), administered by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG), aim to address environmental concerns related to transportation emissions in the St. Louis region. These federally funded initiatives operate under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and support transportation projects that contribute to meeting the requirements of the Clean Air Act. The CMAQ program is targeted at reducing congestion and improving air quality in areas that do not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards, while the CRP is focused on projects that lower carbon dioxide emissions from on-road transportation sources.
These programs support a wide range of activities including traffic flow improvements, demand management strategies, shared ride services, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transit-related projects. Notably, CRP funds are specifically applicable for energy-efficient construction equipment and traffic control devices, while transit and rideshare projects are eligible solely under CMAQ. Routine roadway maintenance and capacity-expanding single-occupant vehicle projects are not eligible for funding.
Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, state agencies, and regional transit authorities such as Bi-State Development/Metro, Madison County Transit District, and Great Rivers Greenway. Not-for-profit organizations may also participate by partnering with an eligible public entity. Both programs follow a cost-sharing structure with up to 80% of project costs covered by federal funds and a required 20% local match, applicable across project development phases including preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and engineering.
For the 2025 application cycle, EWG opened the call for CMAQ/CRP project proposals on November 4, 2024, with a submission deadline of February 7, 2025. Virtual project review meetings are scheduled for eligible sponsors in January 2025, providing a forum for one-on-one consultations. Additionally, EWG has announced a future round scheduled to open on November 7, 2025, with submissions due by February 6, 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to consult EWG’s project development workbooks and FHWA’s program guidance for comprehensive eligibility and application preparation.
Applications must be submitted through EWG's established channels, and applicants are encouraged to review all program materials, including application forms and supplemental guidance, available on the agency’s website. Questions about the program or application process can be directed to EWG staff via phone at (314) 421-4220 or by email at cmaq@ewgateway.org. These programs are competitive and require applicants to demonstrate expected emissions reductions and alignment with regional transportation and air quality goals.
Projects must align with emissions reduction and Clean Air Act compliance to be competitive.
