The overall purpose of the
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program is to improve air quality by reducing transportation emissions. The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transportation Administration have been delegated authority to implement the program. Established in 1991, the program funds transportation projects that allow states and regions to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. CMAQ funding may only fund transportation projects in nonattainment or maintenance areas. These are areas where air quality does not meet or once did not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter. The Highway Administration awards CMAQ funds to Oregon through the Oregon Department of Transportation and that agency in turn awards funds to Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Public Agencies in rural areas.
In 2007, the Oregon Legislature directed $250,000 per year of Oregon's CMAQ funding allotment to DEQ to reduce diesel emissions from onroad vehicle engines.
DEQ-ODOT CMAQ Request for Application
DEQ is currently seeking applications for diesel reduction projects from public agencies, cities, counties, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Local Public Agencies, and school districts in the Portland Metro; Salem-Keizer; Central Lane; Rogue Valley (Medford); Middle Rogue (Grants Pass); Klamath Falls; La Grande; Lakeview; and Oakridge areas.
Non-profit organizations and other private entities are eligible to apply for CMAQ funds if they apply with the local Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Local Public Agencies, municipalities, or counties. For further information on CMAQ requirements for public-private partnerships please see the Section 4.C. of the
CMAQ guidance document. DEQ strongly encourages private-public sector collaborations and project proposals.
CMAQ award recipients must provide 20% match of total project cost using non-federal dollars.
DEQ will award up to $3.3 million over the 2021 – 2023 biennium.
Request for Applications timeline
- Letter of Interest including Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Local Public Agencies support submitted within 70 days of RFA (Aug. 18, 2022)
- DEQ approves Letter of Interest for application submission
- Applications due 60 days after Letter of Interest approval
- DEQ application review
- ODOT application review
- Federal Highway Administration review, applicants notified of approval
- Contract signed with ODOT
- Project begins - quarterly reimbursement submitted through duration of project
Webinar: June 22, 2022
Additional resources for CMAQ projects