Air Quality​

CMAQ Air Quality

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program

Georgia DOT is responsible for the administration of the CMAQ program in the State of Georgia. The CMAQ program is a federally funded program authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” (BIL) (Public Law 117-58, also known as the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” (IIJA)). The BIL authorizes the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program at 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) 149 to fund transportation projects and programs that reduce mobile source emissions in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas. Georgia is eligible to receive CMAQ funds due to previous violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone and Particular Matter (PM) 2.5. GDOT is responsible for distributing the funds to the nonattainment and maintenance areas through a competitive funding process for projects that meet CMAQ requirements outlined in the interim guidance published on November 6, 2024.


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The CMAQ Project Selection Process is incorporated into the combined Competitive Funding Proposal (CFP) for Transportation Alternatives (TA) and CMAQ programs. For CMAQ eligible areas and project types, GDOT considers and evaluates projects that, at a minimum, meet the CMAQ requirements outlined in Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Interim Program Guidance document. Each CMAQ project must meet three basic criteria to be considered: it must be a transportation project; it must be located in or benefit a nonattainment or maintenance area; and it must generate an emissions reduction.

In 2013, Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) developed a calculator that requires a broad spectrum of inputs including detailed project information from planning partners, data from ARC's travel demand model and MOVES emission rates. GDOT utilizes the ARC emissions calculator in its evaluation and CMAQ project selection process.

In accordance with the CMAQ Program Guidance listed above, GDOT consults with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources prior to selecting the final list of projects. GDOT considers any comments received from the EPD when selecting the final list of projects to be recommended for funding. Once the "final" list of recommended projects has been selected, GDOT then reviews the list with FHWA's Georgia Planning group to verify eligibility and to answer any questions they may have on specific projects. The eligible projects then move forward to start the programming process at GDOT.

The Office of Planning keeps checks on CMAQ projects throughout the programming and final implementation process. First, as part of Planning's review of the Concept Report, staff verifies the project scope didn't change significantly, the project has an emissions analysis and the project still meets the Federal CMAQ requirements. Then prior to the projects final authorization, GDOT's Office of Financial Management (OFM) contacts Planning again to verify an emissions analysis has been completed for the CMAQ Report and to check for scope changes. This redundant system of checking the CMAQ projects for scope changes and emissions keeps the project scopes from significantly changing during the programming process.

Transportation planning for areas designated as nonattainment for National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAAQS is accomplished by project assistance and funding from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national air quality standards and monitors each state's air quality index. Once an area has been designated as in violation of the legal level of a specific pollutant monitored by EPA, certain restrictions apply to transportation construction or project types. Compliance with conformity requirements is linked to transportation funding from the federal level.

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Commute Options

CMAQ Air Quality

Georgia DOT is making every effort to keep traffic moving smoothly in our state, but delays are inevitable. You can manage your commute and reduce the number of vehicles on our roadways by exploring alternatives to driving during peak traffic hours. There is no better time to try commute options that will make getting to and from work easier.

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Alternative Commute Options

The following is a list of alternative commute options that can help reduce the amount of smog produced by vehicle emissions.

Commute Option Description
Carpool or Vanpool Call 1-87-RIDEFIND, or ask about your employer's carpooling programs.
Mass Transit Commute to work utilizing the train or bus service in your community.
Telework Work at home using your phone, fax, and computer.
Flex Hours Adjust work schedule to commute when traffic is less congested.
Compressed Work Week Work a four day work week made up of 10 hour days.
Ride a Bike Commute by bicycle to reduce emissions and improve health.
Walk Walk to work and to lunch if possible.
Use Technology Instead of driving to meetings, schedule conference calls, use e-mail and fax to communicate with clients, co-workers, and vendors.


Tips to Reduce Smog

Tips
Don't Top Off
When pumping gas, don't overfill. This will prevent smog producing fumes from escaping into the air.
Late Start
Plan the use of gas-powered lawnmowers, blowers, edgers, chainsaws, and other motorized equipment for cooler evening hours. Refuel vehicles at dusk during lower temperature periods.
Watch Your Temp
Set household thermostats at 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter.
Drive in Stride
Drive at a moderate speed; avoid quick take offs and stops.
Reduce Car Idling
Idling for extended periods at a drive-through or in traffic creates harmful pollutants. Park, and go inside.
Car Care
Get regular tune-ups, inflate tires properly, keep wheels aligned, and replace dirty air filters.

‭(Hidden)‬ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Georgia 8-hour Ozone Nonattainment Areas ( 2015 Standard) Map
  • Commute Options
  • National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAAQS
  • Tips to Reduce Smog