DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Proposed Projects for the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) for funding in the amount of $48.32 million from federal funds for 15 proposed projects and programs in the total estimated amount of $60.40 million with a potential City match of $14.76 million for consideration through the FY 2020-2022 Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program and authorizing the acceptance of federal funds if awarded.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The AAMPO includes all of Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties, and a portion of Kendall County. On July 17, 2018, Bexar County was designated marginal non-attainment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) effective September 24, 2018. As a result, Bexar County is eligible to receive Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding to assist in meeting transportation conformity requirements.
* Transportation Conformity - Under the national Clean Air Act (CAA), Metropolitan Planning Organizations must show that the short- and long-range plans for the region's transportation system do not worsen air quality. This process is called transportation conformity and ensures transportation and air quality agencies are working toward the same goal of cleaner air.
* CMAQ Funding - Federal funding source allocated by formula to Metropolitan Planning Organizations designated non-attainment, with a population greater than 200,000. CMAQ is a reimbursable program only and all federal and state rules apply. Only projects and programs within Bexar County are eligible for submittal. Applicants can include municipalities, counties, regional mobility authorities, river authorities, and school d...
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