The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program, provides a flexible funding source to state and local governments to fund transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA), and its amendments. CMAQ money supports transportation projects that reduce mobile source emissions in areas designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as in nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards. Eligible activities include travel demand management strategies, idle reduction projects and intermodal freight transportation improvements, among others.
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CMAQ funds must be invested in a state's nonattainment or maintenance area(s). The money must be spent on projects that reduce ozone (O3) precursors – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen oxides(NOx) – carbon monoxide (CO), or particulate matter (PM) from transportation sources. States without nonattainment or maintenance areas may use their CMAQ or Surface Transportation Programs anywhere in the state. All CMAQ projects must come from a transportation plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The state transportation department is responsible for distributing CMAQ funds.
All projects must conform to established CMAQ guidance. The federal share for most CMAQ-eligible projects is 80 percent. The CMAQ program operates on a reimbursable basis, so funds are not provided until work is completed.
Intermodal freight transportation is the movement of freight using more than one mode of travel where all parts of the transportation network are effectively connected and coordinated. An intermodal system includes both origins and destinations (for example, ports railheads and warehouses), as well as the links between them (such as roads or rail). Intermodalism describes an approach to planning, building, and operating the transportation system that emphasizes optimal use of transportation resources and connections between modes. In an intermodal transportation network, trains, trucks, ships, and aircraft are connected in a seamless system that is efficient and flexible, and meets the needs of the Nation's consumers, carriers, and shippers.
New intermodal partnerships among rail, truck, and ocean carriers offer enhanced mobility by shifting traffic from congested highways to the private sector rail or marine shipping network, and environmental benefits by employing the cleanest possible technologies that improve air quality.
Funding under CMAQ has been used to improve efficiency of truck, rail and marine operations, as well as intermodal freight facilities where air quality benefits can be shown. There are many challenges in developing an efficient intermodal transportation system. Solutions to issues like inadequate infrastructure or operational inefficiencies may be eligible for CMAQ funds. Capital improvements that increase the efficiency of freight movement between truck and rail, for example, as well as up to three years operating assistance for these types of projects, are appropriate for CMAQ funding if emission reduction can be demonstrated.
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Intermodal operations can increase transportation efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve energy efficiency. A train loaded with containers can carry the same load as dozens of heavy-duty diesel trucks. This, in turn, can contribute to reduced long-haul truck traffic on congested highways, reduced damage to highways from heavy trucks, and improved air quality. Some intermodal projects supported by CMAQ include:
Bensenville Rail Yard Improvements, Chicago, IL: Approximately $2.1 million in CMAQ funds were used to improve access in the west end of the yard. The project includes a new track, interlocking switches and signals to raise train speeds and reduce rail-roadway conflicts at grade crossings. The estimated emissions reductions were 54 kg/day VOC, and 48 kg/day NOx.
Columbia Slough Intermodal Expansion Bridge, Portland, OR: This Bridge was constructed for railroads to directly access a deep-water port facility, eliminating truck trips. The total cost of the project was $6.1 million, comprised of $1 million in CMAQ funds, $2.1 million in demonstration funds, and $3 million in private funds. The estimated truck emissions reductions were 52 kg/day VOC, 241 kg/day CO, and 364 kg/day NOx.
Red Hook Container Barge, New York, NY: CMAQ funds of $1.9 million were matched in a 50:50 ratio to purchase a barge to ship freight containers via the Hudson River rather than on the highways, removing 54,000 trucks trips from New York and New Jersey streets annually. The estimated emissions reductions were 12 kg/day VOC, 48 kg/day CO, and 53 kg/day NOx.
Third Rail Line, Cincinnati, OH: A new rail line was constructed to reroute train traffic and relieve freight train congestion experienced by 85 percent of trains in the corridor. The project reduces congestion at truck/rail grade crossings and shifts truck freight to rail. The total cost of the project was $15 million, comprised of $5 million in CMAQ funds and $10 million in private funds. The estimated truck emissions reductions were 26 kg/day VOC, 130 kg/day CO, and 395 kg/day NOx.
Waterville Intermodal Facility, Waterville ME: A transportation company constructed an intermodal truck-to-rail transfer facility, including storage areas, staging and other facilities. The transfer facility is located near an interstate highway, allowing trailers and containers of central-Maine products to move via rail, reducing heavy truck traffic and diesel emissions. The total project cost was $3 million, including $1.2 million in CMAQ funds. The estimated emissions reductions were 28 kg/day VOC, and 6.3 kg/day NOx.
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For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
Office of Natural and Human Environment
400 7th Street, S.W., Room 3240
Washington, D.C. 20590; 202-366-6724
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/
This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for use of the information contained in this document. This report does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.
The Federal Highway Administration provides high quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement.
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FHWA-HEP-05-021
HEP-10-05(4M)E
October 2005
