Imagine having the ability to reduce the traffic you just sat in for an hour after getting off work. Maybe you wish there was a bike lane on your way to school so you could cut down on the pollution you’ve been contributing.

Well now there is no need to imagine, as CMAQ Grants can improve all those problems. The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, also known as CMAQ, is a program that grants federal funding to states for the improvement of air quality.

A CMAQ Grant is awarded to proposed projects that help improve our atmospheric environment and reduce traffic congestion. Examples of projects that receive this funding include developing current transportation facilities, implementing trailways or bike paths, and improving traffic flow.

Mark Szyperski, CEO and Founder of On Your Mark Transportation, recently shared “One of our clients, the TMA Group of Franklin, Tennessee uses CMAQ funding for their VanStar Van pool program. This program allows for employees to use a government funded program to be able to ride to and from work in a government provided late model van or SUV. It takes cars off the road, improves air quality, and save the employees hundreds of dollars a month on commute costs. The CMAQ funding allows for this type of program, and can be used in other transportation projects, as well!”

These projects have allowed the citizens to see a reduction in pollutants and an increase in healthier, sustainable living. There have been many projects utilized to help improve the quality of life of citizens, but the CMAQ Grants primarily focus on three main goals.

Here are three ways CMAQ Grants have helped our environment:

  1.  The main goal of CMAQ Grants is to improve air quality. Better air quality can lead to enhanced public health, mitigation of air pollutants, and an improvement in the overall quality of life. By eliminating many air pollutants, people are more likely to thrive in their environment. A proactive approach to air quality is key to making a difference in communities.
  2. Another goal of CMAQ Grants is to reduce congestion. Congestion can be caused due to multiple factors, such as motor vehicle accidents, construction on the roads, inclement weather, or a large number of commuters. Efforts to reduce congestion could include updating traffic signals to be in sync with real-time traffic flow, expanding the roads or redesigning them to fit the needs of traffic, and installing an HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lane to act as an incentive to those who are ridesharing.
  3. Encouraging alternatives to driving alone is also a great way to lessen your environmental impact. Different forms of public transit, such as vanpooling, rideshare, and commuting on the bus, can allow you to reduce congestion and drastically decrease pollutants that are being emitted into the air.

According to an article from the Department of Transportation, over 16,000 successful projects have been funded and fulfilled since 1991. The need for air quality improvement is constantly on the rise and the installation of CMAQ Grants has become the perfect tool to combat this growing issue. By utilizing these grants, our communities can thrive in healthy and clean environments.

Our team would love to help your organization better understand the CMAQ Grants and other similar programs to see how your company might be able to participate in these programs. Reach out today to see how we can partner with you on these initiatives.