Southeast Michigan, which is home to half of the state’s population, has a dynamic and complex transportation network that is vital for our economy, trade, prosperity, and quality of life. This integrated infrastructure system can also contribute significant vehicle emissions, which affects our regional air quality.

SEMCOG is charged with the responsibility to ensure that the regional transportation plan and projects comply with federal air quality standards. To support this effort, SEMCOG manages two key programs to fund projects that demonstrate measurable reductions in vehicle emissions to improve the region’s air quality: the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program and the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP).

Aerial view of a large multi‑lane roundabout surrounded by roads, crosswalks, cars, parking lots, and trees, with landscaped greenery in the center of the roundabout.
A person places a bicycle into the open luggage compartment of a D2A2 commuter bus parked along a city sidewalk. The bus displays ‘Connecting Detroit & Ann Arbor’ branding, route information, and accessibility symbols, with buildings and street signs visible in the background.

Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ)

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program provides funding through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for cost effective transportation projects that address air quality, reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow. CMAQ supports diverse projects including transit improvements, traffic signal modernization, roundabouts, electric vehicle charging, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and more. SEMCOG manages this competitive program, promotes its importance, and encourages all communities and transit agencies to apply for funding.

Additionally, SEMCOG is required to report on regional conditions, targets, and performance for the federal performance measures identified to carry out the CMAQ program.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program 101

FY21-23 Project List 
FY24-26 Project List
FY27-29 Project List

Carbon Reduction Program

The Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 and is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from on-road vehicles.

Since the program has begun, SEMCOG has awarded funds between FY 2023 – 2029 that support road, non-motorized, and transit needs throughout the region, totaling $78 million in federal funds for 67 projects. Each of these projects were awarded by a committee made up of public officials and citizens throughout the region. Examples of project include energy efficient streetlights, traffic signal projects, roundabouts, and transit upgrades.

Carbon Reduction Program 101

FY 2023 Carbon Reduction Program Project Awards List
FY 2024-2026 Carbon Reduction Program Awards List
FY 2027-2029 Carbon Reduction Program Awards List

Contact List

If there are questions regarding a sponsorship agreement with an Act-51 agency, please reach out the appropriate contact below:

City of Detroit Calvin JohnsonMonroe County Matthew J. Snell, P.E.
Livingston County Steve WasylkOakland County Carissa Markel
Macomb County Irvin WycheSt Clair County Peter Klomparens
Wayne County Sami KhaldiWashtenaw County Ryan Buck
MDOT CMAQ Coordinator James AshmanSEMCOG CMAQ/CRP Coordinator Adam Elghoul
313-549-1750  

MDOT OPT Coordinator Deanna Donahoo
 

Additional Resources

For transit providers: USEPA Digital Emissions Quantifier

For the Federal Highway Administration Quick Facts: FHWA CMAQ Quick Fact