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Costs and Emissions Impacts of CMAQ Project TypesPrepared for: US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Policy Prepared by: Hagler Bailly, Inc 9/15/99 Summary Review of Costs and Emissions Information for 24 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program ProjectsTable of ContentsOverview of ReportThis report on the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) builds on the extensive program-wide set of CMAQ project data gathered by FHWA.1 It also expands on work by USEPA on the costs and air quality impacts of the CMAQ program.2 The purpose of the report is to determine, for each of a set of 24 individual CMAQ projects, the total annual costs (i.e., CMAQ and non-CMAQ funds), estimated annual emissions reductions, and actual project lifetimes. The projects reviewed are listed in Table One. The projects selected for review, to the extent feasible within the limits of this study, represent the geographic diversity of the CMAQ program and the types of transportation projects that are eligible for CMAQ funding.3 The review findings are presented in the following sections of Chapter 1, while Chapter 2 of the report draws conclusions based on the report findings. Appendix A provides an assessment of project cost effectiveness for two sample projects, and Appendix B provides detailed information about individual project emissions estimates. A Note on Calculating Emission Reduction and Other Benefits of CMAQ Projects: The benefits of the CMAQ program, and particularly projects that promote alternatives to drive alone travel, extend beyond emissions reductions and congestion relief. Many CMAQ projects have ancillary benefits that support other policy initiatives, such as energy conservation, support for welfare to work programs, economic development, and community livability initiatives. This contrasts with other emission control strategies, such as smokestack scrubbers, that generate only air quality benefits. An accurate estimate of CMAQ project emissions reduction cost effectiveness should reflect these ancillary benefits; however, program-wide data is at present insufficient to accurately apportion costs between ancillary benefits. Thus, in this report, no assessment is provided of the cost effectiveness of individual projects in terms of air pollutant reductions. A short appendix (Appendix A) to the report; however, provides a discussion of non emissions reduction benefits associated with two of the projects reviewed in this study and an allocation of costs to each ancillary benefit generated by the project allows representative cost-effectiveness ratios to be calculated. Overview of the CMAQ Program The CMAQ program was established under ISTEA as a funding source for transportation projects and programs that help support the goals of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. CMAQ funding is apportioned to states based on a legislative formula that takes into account population in areas that do not meet air quality standards, and severity of regional air quality problems. States may use CMAQ funds for a variety of transportation-related measures and programs designed to help meet and maintain the national air quality standards for carbon monoxide and ozone, and in some cases, small particulate matter (PM-10). Table One: CMAQ Projects Studied
CMAQ project selection decisions are made at the state and local level, but are subject to broad Federal guidelines on project eligibility. For purposes of tracking states' CMAQ spending, projects are classified in by the following categories:4
CMAQ Project Review FindingsThe following sections describe the projects reviewed in each of the six CMAQ project funding categories considered as part of this analysis, which include shared ride services, pedestrian/bicycle, traffic flow, transit, Transportation Demand Management, and other projects. For each category, a table that summarizes quantitative findings is presented, accompanied by a brief commentary on findings. Notes on Presentation of Data:
Shared Ride ProjectsFive CMAQ-funded shared ride projects were reviewed for this analysis. Findings are summarized in Table Two. Projects examined include:
The shared ride project category contains a diversity of projects. For example, capital projects, like the Maryland park and ride lot expansion, generate long-term air quality and other benefits. Other projects, such as the Commuter Assistance Program, fund annual operating costs, like staff time or incentives, and require annual funding to maintain benefits. Project Lifetime: The lifetimes of the shared-ride projects reviewed vary from one to thirty years. Three of the five shared ride projects have a one-year life span that is clearly defined by annually recurring operating costs, such as staff salaries or leasing arrangements. The anticipated lifetimes of the two multi-year projects studied are based on general assumptions about anticipated lifetime. Project Costs: Annualized project costs range in magnitude from $16,125 to $1,699,709. The non-CMAQ share of project funding varies from 20 percent to 69 percent. Project Emissions Reductions: Annual VOC emission reductions associated with each project range from 0.25 tons to 30.0 tons. Annual NOx emission reductions associated with each project range from 1.0 tons to 62.0 tons. Appendix B contains detailed descriptions of the methodologies used to estimate emissions reductions. Other Benefits: In addition to providing air quality benefits, shared ride projects also help reduce congestion and save energy. To the extent that they help reduce vehicle travel, they relieve pressure for highway capacity enhancements, and they support a broad array of environmental goals that are directly linked to reduced vehicle travel, such as stormwater quality. Lessons learned from Review of Emissions Methodologies:
Table Two: Shared Ride Projects
National median emissions reduction:11 Bicycle and Pedestrian ProjectsTwo CMAQ-funded bicycle and pedestrian projects were reviewed in this analysis. Findings are summarized in Table Three. Projects examined include:
In addition to air quality improvements associated with these projects, a range of other benefits are also generated, such as improved quality of life, reduced congestion, and energy savings. The projects in this analysis are thought to be typical of bicycle and pedestrian projects, which are likely to be one-time, capital investments that generate multi-year benefits. Project Lifetime: A 30-year lifetime is estimated for both of the bicycle/pedestrian projects studied. These estimates are derived from standard transportation planning and engineering assumptions about the lifetime of bicycle facility improvements. Project Costs: Annualized pedestrian and bicycle project costs in the study range from $26,594 for a site-specific capital improvement, to $298,170 for a coordinated region-wide bicycle planning initiative. The non-CMAQ share of project funding ranges from 20 percent to 45 percent. Project Emissions Reductions: Annual VOC emission reductions associated with each project range from 0.26 tons to 7.48 tons. Annual NOx emission reductions are calculated for only one project at 6.41 tons per year. Appendix B contains detailed descriptions of the methodologies used to estimate emissions reductions. Other Benefits: In addition to providing air quality benefits, bicycle and pedestrian projects also help reduce congestion and save energy. To the extent that they help reduce vehicle travel, they also relieve pressure for highway capacity enhancements, and they support a broad array of environmental goals that are directly linked to increased vehicle travel, such as stormwater quality. Bicycle and pedestrian projects may also support enhanced community quality of life. Lessons learned from Review of Emissions Methodologies:
Table Three: Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects
National median emissions reduction:16 Traffic Flow ProjectsFive CMAQ-funded traffic flow projects were reviewed in this analysis. Findings are summarized in Table Four. Projects analyzed included:
The projects studied are all identified as long lasting. The actual lifetime of these benefits, however, is uncertain. In addition to air quality improvements associated with these projects, they also help to ease congestion. Project Lifetime: Lifetimes for the projects reviewed range from 10 to 20 years. These estimates are derived from standard transportation planning/engineering assumptions about the lifetime of traffic flow improvements and highway facilities. Project Costs: Annualized traffic flow project costs in the study range from $31,979 for an arterial signal interconnect project in Illinois; to $1,435,894 for extension of HOV lanes in Hartford, Connecticut. The non-CMAQ share of project funding for each project reviewed ranges from 20 to 25 percent of total costs. Project Emissions Reductions: Annual VOC emission reductions associated with each project range from 3 tons to 3,000 tons. Annual NOx emission reductions associated with each project range from 0.25 tons to 1,000 tons. Appendix B contains detailed descriptions of the methodologies used to estimate emissions reductions. Other Benefits: In addition to providing air quality benefits, traffic flow projects also help reduce congestion and save energy. To the extent that they help improve vehicle traffic flow, they also relieve pressure for highway capacity enhancements. Lessons learned from Review of Emissions Methodologies:
Table Four: Traffic Flow Projects
National median emissions reduction:24 Transit ProjectsSeven CMAQ-funded transit projects were reviewed in this analysis. Findings are summarized in Table Five. Projects analyzed include:
As with shared ride CMAQ projects, there is a contrast between transit projects that fund infrastructure improvements, like purchase of transit equipment, that generate long-term benefits, and projects that fund annual operating costs, like leasing of transit vehicles, and which require annual funding to maintain benefits. Project Lifetime: Lifetimes for the projects studied range from 1 to 30 years. These estimates are derived from standard transportation planning/engineering assumptions about the typical lifetime of transit improvements and highway facilities. Project Costs: Annualized transit project costs reviewed in the study range from $31,551 for transit-related ITS to $7,236,659 for new commuter rail vehicles. The non-CMAQ share of project funding ranges from 20 to 96 percent of total costs. Project Emissions Reductions: Annual VOC emission reductions associated with each project range from 1.1 tons to 29.35 tons. Annual NOx emission reductions associated with each project range from 0.8 tons to 93.2 tons. Appendix B contains detailed descriptions of the methodologies used to estimate emissions reductions. Other Benefits: In addition to providing air quality benefits, transit projects also help reduce congestion and save energy. To the extent that they help improve vehicle traffic volume, they also relieve pressure for highway capacity enhancements. Transit projects can also help to enhance community quality of life by providing transportation choices and enhancing mobility for those without access to a vehicle. Lessons learned from Review of Emissions Methodologies:
Table Five: Transit Projects
National median:30 Transportation Demand Management ProjectsThree CMAQ-funded Transportation Demand Management (TDM) projects were reviewed in this analysis. Findings are summarized in Table Six. Projects analyzed include:
Project Lifetime: Lifetimes for the projects studied range from 2 to 12 years. These estimates are derived from general assumptions about the plausible lifetime for non-traditional TDM improvements. Project Costs: Annualized TDM project costs in the study range from $293,000 to $450,000. The non-CMAQ share of project funding ranges from 20 to 33 percent of total costs. Project Emissions Reductions: Annual VOC emission reductions associated with each project range from 4.48 tons to 25.56 tons. Annual NOx emission reductions associated with each project range from 6.94 tons to 26.5 tons. Appendix B contains detailed descriptions of the methodologies used to estimate emissions reductions. Other Benefits: In addition to providing air quality benefits, TDM projects also help reduce congestion and save energy. To the extent that they help improve vehicle traffic volume, they also relieve pressure for highway capacity enhancements. Lessons learned from Review of Emissions Methodologies:
Table Six: Transportation Demand Management Projects
National median emissions reduction:34 Other ProjectsTwo CMAQ-funded "Other" category projects were reviewed in this analysis. Both projects are alternative fuels-related. Results are summarized in Table Seven:
Project Lifetime: Project lifetimes for projects in this category varied from 5 to 20 years. Project Costs: Annualized "other" category project costs reviewed vary from $23,598 to $128,140 per project. Project Emissions Reductions: Annual VOC emissions reductions associated with each project range from 0.02 tons per year to 2.75 tons per year. Annual NOx emissions reductions associated with each project range from 0.02 to 2.0 tons per year. Other Benefits: NA ("Other" category projects can generate a broad of benefits, depending on the type of project.) Lessons learned from Review of Emissions Methodologies:
Table Seven: Other Projects
National median:39 Endnotes1 As summarized in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, A Summary of Sixth-Year Activities (FY 1997), FHWA, March 1997 (and previous annual versions) 2 A Preliminary Assessment of the CMAQ Program's Contribution towards Meeting Ozone Standards, Apogee Research, Inc. 1997 et al. 3 Inspection and Maintenance projects are not included in this study, as programs are a requirement of the Clean Air Act. 4 As summarized in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, A Summary of Sixth-Year Activities (FY 1997), FHWA, March 1997 (and previous annual versions) 5 As reported in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, A Summary of Sixth-Year Activities (FY 1997), FHWA, March 1997 6 Multi-year project costs annualized using 7% discount rate. 7 Emissions estimates presented as reported, therefore not all projects have estimates for VOC, NOx, CO and PM10 8 Lifetime estimate calculated based on project description provided by project contact. 9 Based on most recent 12 month calendar time period for which estimates available. 10 Based on most recent 12 month calendar time period for which estimates available. 11 National median taken from "CMAQ, A Summary of Sixth Year Activities (FY 1997)," FHWA, 1999. (Note: All data converted from kg/day to tons/yr, using assumption that projects are effective for 250 days per year) 12 Multi-year project costs annualized using 7% discount rate. 13 Emissions estimates presented as reported, therefore not all projects have estimates for VOC, NOx, CO and PM10 14 Project life estimate based on assumed lifetime of capital improvements described in IL bicycle project. 15 Emissions reduction was estimated on yearly basis for lifetime of project. 16 National median taken from "CMAQ, A Summary of Sixth Year Activities (FY 1997)," FHWA, 1999. (Note: All data converted from kg/day to tons/yr, using assumption that projects are effective for 250 days per year) 17 Multi-year project costs annualized using 7% discount rate. 18 Emissions estimates presented as reported, therefore not all projects have estimates for VOC, NOx, CO and PM10 19 Additional capital and operating costs are acknowledged to be associated with the emissions reduction attributed to this project, however, estimation of these costs was beyond the scope of study. 20 Project lifetime based on estimate of typical lifetime for ITS equipment 21 Emissions reduction was estimated on yearly basis for lifetime of project. 22 Project lifetime based on consultation with state DOT highway staff 23 Annual operating costs based on Hagler Bailly work for Houston-Galveston MPO (assumes $8-10,000/lane mile) 24 National median taken from "CMAQ, A Summary of Sixth Year Activities (FY 1997)," FHWA, 1999. (Note: All data converted from kg/day to tons/yr, using assumption that projects are effective for 250 days per year) 25 Multi-year project costs annualized using 7% discount rate. 26 Emissions estimates presented as reported, therefore not all projects have estimates for VOC, NOx, CO and PM10 27 Operating costs based on National Transit Database information. 28 Operating costs assumed to remain unchanged because new (larger) cars replace existing cars. 29 Project lifetime based on estimate of typical lifetime for ITS equipment. 30 National median taken from "CMAQ, A Summary of Sixth Year Activities (FY 1997)," FHWA, 1999. (Note: All data converted from kg/day to tons/yr, using assumption that projects are effective for 250 days per year) 31 Multi-year project costs annualized using 7% discount rate. 32 Emissions estimates presented as reported, therefore not all projects have estimates for VOC, NOx, CO and PM10 33 Project lifetime estimated based on project description information 34 National median taken from "CMAQ, A Summary of Sixth Year Activities (FY 1997)," FHWA, 1999. (Note: All data converted from kg/day to tons/yr, using assumption that projects are effective for 250 days per year) 35 Multi-year project costs annualized using 7% discount rate. 36 Emissions estimates presented as reported, therefore not all projects have estimates for VOC, NOx, CO and PM10 37 Project lifetime assumed based on anticipated life of average fleet vehicle. 38 Project lifetime assumed. 39 National median taken from "CMAQ, A Summary of Sixth Year Activities (FY 1997)," FHWA, 1999. (Note: All data converted from kg/day to tons/yr, using assumption that projects are effective for 250 days per year) |
