Southeast Michigan, with abundant natural resources and vibrant communities, is a great place to call home. However, the region’s reliance on automobile travel often creates challenges to maintaining regional air quality. Addressing these challenges is essential for our quality of life and environmental sustainability.
To prioritize projects that combat transportation-related emissions, SEMCOG administers two federal programs-the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program and the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP)-for Southeast Michigan. CMAQ funds initiatives designed to reduce congestion and enhance air quality while CRP focuses specifically on lowering carbon emissions from the transportation sector, encouraging projects that yield in greenhouse gases.
Success Stories
Over the years, SEMCOG has awarded funding for many CMAQ and CRP projects to improve regional air quality. Examples include:
- Roundabouts, which improve traffic flow and significantly reduce vehicle idling, leading to lower emissions and enhanced air quality;
- Street lighting upgrades, replacing traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, which significantly reduces energy use and enhance safety by improving visibility for people who walk, roll, and drive;
- SEMCOG’s support for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) of Southeast Michigan, with funding targeted toward vital transit projects such as the D2A2 shuttle service connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor and the recently launched Detroit Air Express (DAX) shuttle between downtown Detroit and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
These projects highlight how federal funding can drive substantial improvements in regional air quality while promoting sustainable transportation options.
FY 2027 – 2029 CMAQ and Carbon Reduction Call For Projects
SEMCOG is excited to announce that it is now accepting project applications aimed at improving regional air quality. Nearly $40 million is available through the CMAQ and CRP programs, providing a significant opportunity for local agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to make a meaningful impact.
Eligible projects may include but are not limited to:
- Enhancements to public transportation, including new bus routes, lower emission buses
- Implementation of traffic management, including intersection improvements to ease congestion and improve flow
- Development of alternative fuel vehicle programs
- Improvements in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, including bike lanes, sidewalks
- Initiatives promoting telecommuting and other innovative mobility solutions
More information about the CMAQ and CRP programs can be found on Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s facts sheets.
SEMCOG University
To help potential applicants, SEMCOG is holding a October 21, 2024 webinar about the CMAQ and CRP application processes. This session is an excellent chance to learn about the funding available, how to align projects with regional air quality goals, and ask questions of program administrators.
Register for the FY 2027 – 2029 CMAQ and Carbon Reduction SEMCOG University webinar.
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