CMAQ Program
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) provides flexible funding that may be used by States and local governments to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its amendments. CMAQ funds are intended to be used on projects that would reduce mobile source emissions in current or former national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) nonattainment areas.
Funding Eligibility
Eligible projects include electric vehicles and charging stations, diesel engine replacements and retrofits, transit improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, shared micromobility projects (including shared scooter systems), and more. In addition to improving air quality and reducing congestion, CMAQ projects can improve equitable access to transportation services, improve safety, and promote application of new and emerging technologies.
In Wisconsin, eligible project types must be located within the current or former nonattainment or maintenance counties of Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha.
Recap of the FFY 2027-2028 CMAQ Selection Process
The State’s application period for CMAQ funding for federal fiscal years 2027 and 2028 closed on September 1, 2023. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission staffs each completed an independent evaluation of the candidate CMAQ projects. The independent evaluations were combined and discussed at an interagency staff meeting on January 16, 2024, and a joint prioritization of projects was developed.
Next, the five Chairmen of the TIP Committees for the Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Round Lake, and West Bend Urbanized Areas will meet with the WisDOT, WDNR, and Commission staffs to review the project priority list and formulate their recommendations. The Committee Chair recommendations will be transmitted to the WisDOT Secretary for consideration and approval. Once projects are awarded by the WisDOT Secretary, projects are added to the TIP as they are scheduled.
Next Application Period
The next project solicitation for FFY 2029 and 2030 CMAQ funding is expected to occur in 2025. Information will be provided here and on the WisDOT CMAQ page as it becomes available.