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The Clean Air and Mobility Program – Overview
OVERVIEW • HOW TO APPLY • 2010 SCHEDULE • FAQS
The MPO has launched the Clean Air and Mobility Program in order to fund a wider variety of projects that improve air quality and mobility and that reduce congestion in the region using federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. This program expands on three previously existing programs: the Suburban Mobility, Transportation Demand Management (TDM), and Regional Bike Parking programs. These activities will still be eligible for funds in the Clean Air and Mobility Program; however, the program will broaden the scope of possible projects. The objectives of the program are to:
  • Support new transit services in areas unserved or underserved by the existing transit system
  • Serve as a funding source for implementing small-scale roadway, intersection, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that are recommended in MPO evaluations and studies
  • Develop a broader range of proposals from public entities in the region to expand the variety and scope of CMAQ investments
  • Improve the effectiveness of CMAQ funds in reducing emissions and congestion in the region
There is $2 million in funds available in federal fiscal year 2010 for CMAQ-eligible projects and programs in the MPO region. The deadline for proposals for funding in the Clean Air and Mobility Program is April 1, 2010. There will be four public seminars to provide opportunities to discuss the program with MPO staff. MPO staff will also provide technical assistance to applicants.

Regional transit authorities, municipalities, transportation management associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit transportation advocacy groups in the MPO region are invited to submit proposals. All projects must have an RTA, a municipality, or a transportation agency as a fiduciary agent. Joint proposals are also accepted.

Applications will be evaluated and selected based on criteria such as vehicle emissions reductions, mobility, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, population served, or modal and geographic balance (compared to other projects to be funded). Eligible projects and programs fall into three categories; transit operations, Transportation Demand Management (TDM)/Transportation Systems Management (TSM) programs or projects, and infrastructure projects. Listed below are some examples of eligible projects and programs, with links to their corresponding federal guidance. Projects and programs must demonstrate air quality benefits and be eligible for federal aid. (Please view the FHWA website for more detailed federal CMAQ guidance.) Infrastructure improvements must be initiated according to the Massachusetts Highway Department Project Development and Design Guide. Another requirement is compliance, when applicable, with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All projects must meet the criteria of the Statewide CMAQ Committee and must either reduce vehicle emissions or, for activities promoting non-automobile modes, must not increase emissions in the region. Transit operations proposals must be for new service. They cannot be used to supplement or replace funding for existing service.

For more information on the Clean Air and Mobility Program, please contact Eric Bourassa, Transportation Manager, MAPC, at ebourassa@mapc.org or 617.451.2770 ext. 2043; or Hayes Morrison, TIP Program Manager, MPO staff, at hayesm@bostonmpo.org or 617.973.7129.