The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program directs funds to transportation projects and programs which contribute to the attainment or maintenance of National Ambient Air Quality Standards in nonattainment or air quality maintenance areas for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter under provisions in the Federal Clean Air Act.

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funds may be used for safe routes to school projects or other active transportation, bicycle and pedestrian projects, along with a number of other transit and transportation improvement projects and programs.

Dates for project nomination vary statewide and are determined by the local metropolitan planning organization (MPO) or regional transportation planning agency (RTPA).