Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

The CMAQ program provides federal funding for transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding is available to reduce congestion and improve air quality for areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter (PM) (nonattainment areas) and for former nonattainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas). A nonattainment area is an area considered to have air quality worse than the National Area Air Quality Standards as defined in the federal Clean Air Act Amendments.

Funds are allocated to the following Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): Puget Sound Regional Council, Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, Spokane Regional Transportation Council, Thurston Regional Planning Council, and Yakima Valley Conference of Governments. By agreement of these MPOs, allocations are calculated using distribution percentages from 2012. In addition to this distribution, the Puget Sound Regional Council also receives a set-aside allocation of PM2.5 funds.

Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act CMAQ - (federal funding)

Reporting

The FAST Act requires WSDOT to report to FHWA annually on CMAQ project obligations and their associated air quality benefits. Data from this reporting is available for viewing in the CMAQ Public Access System at: https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/cmaq_pub/

Winter driving tips

Traction tires are a special type of tire

manufactured with at least 1/8 of an inch tread. Traction tires are usually marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol, the letters M+S or “All Season.”

Carry chains, practice before leaving

Requiring chains keeps traffic moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway.

Prep your car. Fill up your gas tank,

pack jumper cables, ice scraper, warm clothing, snacks and water.