Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program funds are limited to projects and programs that reduce transportation related emissions air quality non-attainment and maintenance areas for ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, though provision is made for States without air quality issues.
This Assistance Listing 20.268 created in August 2025 was included in the previous ALN 20.205, please refer to former ALN 20.205 for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations. The new Assistance Listing 20.268 will be utilized by DOT at the start of FY 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Municipality/Township Government
- County Government
Apportionment of Funds
As under the FAST Act, the IIJA directs FHWA to apportion funding as a lump sum for each State then divide that total among apportioned programs.
Each State’s CMAQ apportionment is calculated based on a ratio specified in law. [23 U.S.C. 104(b)(4)] (See “Apportionment” fact sheet for a description of this calculation)
Set-asides
2% for State Planning and Research (SPR). [23 U.S.C. 505]
For a State that has a nonattainment or maintenance area for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the BIL requires that an amount equal to 25% of the amount of the State’s CMAQ apportionment attributable to the weighted population of such areas in the State must be used for projects targeting PM2.5 reductions in those PM2.5 nonattainment and maintenance areas, including for diesel replacements (in addition to retrofits), and the BIL requires States to prioritize benefits to disadvantaged communities or low-income populations living in or adjacent to such area, to the extent practicable. [§ 11115(5); 23 U.S.C. 149(k)(1)(A) and (B)] States with low population density are not subject to this set-aside under certain conditions. [23 U.S.C. 149(k)]
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Each State’s CMAQ apportionment is calculated based on a ratio specified in law.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
- Renewal interval: From 90 to 120 days
Program details & compliance
Description
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ), continued under IIJA, 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 that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter (nonattainment areas) and for former nonattainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas).
Mission Categories
Primary: Highways, Public Roads, and Bridges
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Please see program notice of funding.
Required Documentation
Projects must be included in a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) transportation plan and transportation improvement program (TIP), or the current Statewide TIP in areas that are not part of an MPO. The MPO plans and programs must also have a transportation conformity determination in place, where applicable. In addition, CMAQ investments must comply with the appropriate Federal cost principles, such as 2 CFR 225, the guidelines for State, local, and tribal governments.