Overview

In SAFETEA-LU Section 1808, Congress required the U.S. Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to evaluate and assess the direct and indirect impacts of CMAQ-funded projects on air quality and congestion levels to ensure the program's effective implementation. Phase II of the CMAQ Evaluation and Assessment responds to that request by exploring different practices and approaches that select agencies Nationwide use in CMAQ project selection and implementation. The study team conducted 1-day site interviews with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) at seven locations around the country. The Phase II Report highlights effective CMAQ implementation practices and identifies benefits, challenges, and opportunities encountered by the agencies interviewed as they program CMAQ funds from the information collected and analyzed during the site visit interviews.