Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
Forecasted
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) supports Kentucky government agencies’ transportation projects that reduce emissions and traffic congestion to improve air quality.
Funder: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: No set request limit; federal share generally 80%, with 100% available for select project types
Summary: Supports government agencies’ transportation projects that reduce emissions and improve air quality in eligible Kentucky areas.
Key Information: Nonprofits and private entities may participate only through partnerships with eligible local or state government applicants.
Description
Kentucky’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Local Programs. It uses federal transportation funding to support projects that improve air quality and decrease traffic congestion in EPA-designated nonattainment or maintenance areas. Air quality benefits are central to eligibility; congestion relief, greenhouse gas reductions, mobility, and safety may complement those benefits but cannot establish eligibility alone.
The federal program supports a broad range of transportation improvements, including electric vehicles and charging stations, diesel engine replacements and retrofits, transit improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and shared micromobility. Capital investments and certain start-up operating activities can qualify. Projects are selected through state and metropolitan transportation planning processes, with emphasis on emissions reductions and cost-effectiveness.
