Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Forecasted
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality supports Washington local agencies’ transportation projects that reduce congestion and emissions to improve air quality and help meet Clean Air Act requirements.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Adopted transportation programs) | October 2027 (MPO/RTPO TIPs)
Funding Amounts: $35,582,682 in FFY 2026 regional allocations; 86.5% federal participation
Summary: Federal funding for transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve air quality in Washington nonattainment and maintenance areas.
Key Information: Funding is allocated through five designated metropolitan planning organizations, and projects must document air quality benefits.
Description
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), provides federal funding for transportation projects and programs that help meet Clean Air Act requirements. It supports congestion reduction and air quality improvements in areas that do not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter, and former nonattainment areas now meeting those standards.
Funding flows through designated metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), which establish regional application procedures and select projects tied to regional priorities. The program seeks tangible reductions in transportation-related emissions, with highest priority given to transportation measures in applicable State Implementation Plans. Eligible work includes project-specific planning leading directly to construction and certain transit and alternate-fuel investments.
