applications currently being accepted – applications due August 16, 2023
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) is a federal program that funds projects and programs that improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. It is jointly administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the guidance of SJTPO, the Local CMAQ Initiatives advances projects that will advance air quality. These funds will be available for projects and programs throughout the SJTPO region through a competitive process. There is up to $5.700 million available for CMAQ-eligible projects and $2.700 million available for CRP-eligible projects over three Federal Fiscal Years (FFY), including 2025, 2026, and 2027 that will be programmed into the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Candidate projects and programs may be submitted to SJTPO during the solicitation period held once every three years. Eligible applications are then ranked by the CMAQ & CRP Selection Committee, and projects selected for funding are to be implemented by the sponsoring agency.

Program Overview
SJTPO solicits projects every three years to support regional goals, which are specified through this improvement program as a reduction of transportation emissions and an improvement of air quality. The Project Evaluation Form guides how projects are screened for eligibility and implementation.
The current solicitation period supports projects that will be implemented over three Federal Fiscal Years (FFY), including 2025, 2026, and 2027. The solicitation period began in April 2023; applications are due no later than August 16, 2023, by 5 PM. The Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) has been combined with the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program beginning FFY 2023. Applicants do not need to specify for which funding program they are requesting consideration. A single Project Application is applicable for the joint solicitation. Although eligible projects and activities are substantially similar between the two programs, please review the differences through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) CMAQ Reference or as listed below.
The Application Process
SJTPO solicits projects for a three-year period. The current application is for project advancement in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025, 2026, and 2027.
- April 12, 2023: Notification of Call for CMAQ & CRP projects
- June 27, 2023: Last Day to Request Assistance for Required Emissions Analysis
- August 2, 2023: Last Day to Request a Meeting with SJTPO Staff
- August 16, 2023: Applications Due with All Materials
- November 2023: Recommendation of new CMAQ & CRP Projects
SJTPO CMAQ & CRP Project Selection Process
Following the application deadline, applications will be selected via a competitive process. The steps in the selection process are as follows:
- SJTPO staff reviews applications for clarity, completeness, and eligibility.
- Applications are evaluated & ranked by the CMAQ & CRP Selection Committee established by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) based upon the following goals:
- Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction
- Air Quality Benefit
- Environmental Screening
- Preferred Project Type
- Deliverability
- The CMAQ & CRP Selection Committee will forward the recommended Project List to the SJTPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which then prepares a recommended program for the SJTPO Policy Board.
- The SJTPO Policy Board acts upon the TAC-endorsed CMAQ & CRP project list.
After final approval and notification of the CMAQ or CRP award, the sponsor is responsible for implementing and completing the project. This includes any public involvement, planning, design, construction, etc. All project phases are eligible for CMAQ or CRP funds, and costs are 100% reimbursable. Projects not implemented in a timely manner run the risk of losing funds. In the case of an uncompleted project, the return of any federal funds expended might be required.
Application Requirements
The CMAQ funds are available for projects involving government, non-profit, and private entities that serve the SJTPO region. Additionally, public agencies must be certified as eligible to receive federal funds through NJDOT. Private firms and non-profits may partner with a public agency sponsor through a process called Public-Private Partnership (PPP). CMAQ projects submitted by PPPs must benefit the public by reducing emissions while not creating a competitive advantage for one private entity over another. More information on PPPs may be found in Section VII.C. of the federal CMAQ guidance. Private individuals are not eligible to apply. Project sponsors must be certified by NJDOT to be eligible to receive federal funds. If the project sponsor is not a subregional partner of SJTPO, eligibility must be considered project-by-project.
Proposals for CMAQ or CRP funding should include a precise description of the project, providing information on its size, scope, location, and timetable. The description should be as specific as possible; this may include citing the location and timing of traffic counts or submission dates for required products of the federal aid program. In addition to this, supporting data, submission schedule, cost estimate for each phase of work, and any preliminary work, such as conceptual design or planning, that has been completed should be included in the application. Applicants should also certify their familiarity with the NJDOT Local Aid process and describe previous experience obtaining USDOT funding. A resolution of support is required by the NJDOT for a proposed project to be eligible for consideration. The proposed project objective should be included in the Resolution of Support. Include project details such as specific improvements (i.e., vehicle purchase and signal or infrastructure enhancements) and location. An example of a Resolution of Support may be provided upon request. In addition to this, other supporting materials such as concept sketches, letters of support, and maps showing environmental features may be accepted to support the project. The required materials to be submitted alongside the application are as follows.
- Emissions Analysis
- Line-Item Cost Estimate
- Detailed Project Schedule
- Map of Project Location
- Resolution of Support
Emissions Analysis
An assessment of the project’s expected emission reduction benefits should be completed prior to project selection to better inform the selection of CMAQ or CRP projects. Wherever possible, quantitative analyses of emissions impacts should be included in the proposal. The analysis should report, at minimum, the reduction in ozone precursors (NOx and VOC) in kilograms per day or per year, along with the expected lifespan of the emission reduction. Additional pollutants, including carbon monoxide or particulate matter, may be reported as well. Qualitative assessments of emission benefits may be provided only when it is not possible to accurately quantify emission benefits; for example, for projects focused on public education, marketing, and other outreach efforts. Groups of complimentary projects may be analyzed together. Emission increases for any type of pollutant (including carbon monoxide or particulate matter) must be reported if present. Details regarding emissions estimation may be found in Section VIII.A of the FHWA CMAQ Guidance.
SJTPO may assist applicants in calculating emissions reduction estimates for many types of projects. Please request emissions estimate assistance no later than June 27, 2023. The CMAQ Emissions Calculator Toolkit can be found by clicking here and under Related Links on the right side of this page.
Eligible Projects
In general, projects are eligible for CMAQ funding consideration if they are intended to reduce emissions in the region, either through direct means (such as converting to low-emission vehicles) or through indirect means (such as traffic signal improvements that improve vehicle flow and reducing congestion or outreach programs to promote carpooling). The air quality benefits of projects should be well-supported by recent evidence of their effects on emissions; however, innovative projects without supporting precedent data may also be considered. The following project type list is not intended to be comprehensive, as other transportation projects that reduce emissions may be eligible. Many project types are eligible only under certain conditions. Please refer to the Related Links on the right side of this page for more details on any of the following project types.
For vehicle acquisitions, only the incremental cost of the difference in price between the alternative-fueled vehicle and a comparable conventional fuel vehicle will be covered. The estimated eligible portion of future vehicle purchases must be prorated based on the projected share of costs attributable to generating air quality benefits. CMAQ or CRP-funded projects should have independent utility; that is, they must have standalone emissions benefits that do not depend upon other uncompleted projects.
As under the FAST Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), directs MPOs to give priority to cost-effective projects; that is, projects with the greatest emissions reduction per dollar funded. Secondary benefits may also be considered in the selection process, but the primary criteria will be the unit cost of the emissions reduction. Secondary selection factors include congestion relief, greenhouse gas reductions, safety, system preservation, access to opportunity, sustainable development and freight, reduced single-occupancy vehicle reliance, multimodal benefits, and others. For more information on how projects are evaluated, please see the Project Evaluation Form used by the CMAQ & CRP Project Selection Committee. For technical assistance in planning, design, construction, preserving, and improving public roads, and guidance of Federal funds, please see the BIL FHWA Technical Assistance & Local Support.
Contact Info

APPLICATION MATERIALS
APPLYING FOR CMAQ FUNDS
Please email Taylor Waymire at twaymire@sjtpo.org to obtain a link for easy transmission of large files. Each application requires multiple attachment files. For applicants submitting more than one application, each application with ALL its required attachments should be contained in its own separate folder, named for that project application. Alternatively, digital applications may be submitted by USB drive, CD, or DVD to the following address.
South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization
782 South Brewster Road, Unit B6 Vineland, New Jersey 08361
Attn: Taylor Waymire
Related Links