The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program was established in 1991 under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and was continued under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to reduce emissions from transportation-related sources, improve air quality, and relieve traffic congestion. CMAQ provides federal funding for projects that have air quality benefits in areas considered to be in non-attainment with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. New Hampshire has an ozone non-attainment area in the southern and Seacoast region, as well as two carbon monoxide (CO) maintenence areas in Nashua and Manchester. (View map)

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT) administers the CMAQ program within the state. Since 1994, approximately 160 projects have been funded under the program.

2009-2010 CMAQ Grant Program

NH DOT is inviting communities to submit Letters of Interest for projects to be included in the 2009-2010 CMAQ funding cycle. To be eligible for CMAQ funding, a project must demonstrate air quality benefits to the non-attainment or maintenance areas. Projects may be physically located in geographic areas outside the non-attainment or maintenance area if they will provide benefits within those areas.

Process Timeline

The CMAQ program is competitive statewide. Projects are evaluated by the CMAQ statewide committee made up of Executive Councilors, planning commissions and NH DOT staff. The program funds projects through an 80% federal / 20% local match system.

Letters of interest should be submitted to CNHRPC and NHDOT by 12:00 pm on Friday, January 8, 2010:

CNHRPC
28 Commercial St.
Concord, NH 03301

NH DOT, Attn. Tom Jameson
7 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03302

Important Links:

NH DOT TE/CMAQ web page

FHWA CMAQ Eligibility Guide

NH DOT 2009-2010 CMAQ Application Guide

Information on NH's attainment and non-attainment areas

For more information or assistance with the CMAQ application process, please contact Rodrigo Marion, Principal Transportation Planner, at 603-226-6020 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .