Economic development, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ) is a federally funded initiative to encourage transportation alternatives that improve air quality. It includes efforts to enhance public transit, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, ridesharing programs and facilities, and technologies that improve traffic flow and vehicle emissions. CMAQ funds have been invested in a wide variety of beneficial projects that provide air quality benefits while providing alternatives to added capacity on the road network.

The $11.6 million in annual funding is available only for projects in ten southeastern counties that form Wisconsin's ozone non-attainment and maintenance areas.

CMAQ and economic development

CMAQ helps promote economic development in a number of ways:

Addresses air quality issues relating to transportation, easing potential restrictions on future development projects,
Funds mobility options that are important to commuters and job providers, especially in urban areas,
Addresses highway congestion problems in urban areas and improve overall mobility for all travelers, and
Invests funds in projects such as transit stations or bicycle/pedestrian trails that also enhance community attractiveness.

Increasingly, businesses are looking at the quality of a region's transportation system when deciding where to relocate or expand. Regions with congested or poorly maintained roads may see businesses relocate to areas with a smoother, more efficient transportation system.

Examples of recently awarded CMAQ projects

$2.4 million CMAQ award will fund improvements to Amtrak station's passenger loading area including the boarding platforms
$4.3 million CMAQ award will continue streetscaping, landscaping, lighting and other improvements to the Milwaukee Central Business District pedestrian corridors along Wisconsin Avenue, West Kilbourn Avenue and North Water Street
$1.3 million award will help construct a nearly five-mile bicycle path in Racine County connecting the existing Root River Pathway to the Milwaukee County Bicycle Trail
$4.4 million CMAQ award will continue a successful marketing campaign aimed at improving ridership and public awareness of transit services in southeast Wisconsin

For more information, visit WisDOT's CMAQ Web page, or contact John Duffe at (608) 264-8723

Trail along Lake Michigan by the Milwaukee Art Museum

Path near the Milwaukee Art Museum

Additional information about CMAQ