CARBON REDUCTION PROGRAM: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) created the Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) to provide federal funding to projects that decrease transportation emissions which are defined as the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that result from on-road, highway sources. California will receive annual apportionments of CRP over the five-year period of IIJA. The apportionments are split, with 65% as Local CRP and 35% as State CRP. Both Local and State CRP funds must be in alignment with the Carbon Reduction Strategy (CRS).

 

Caltrans has already indicated that their CRP funds will be programmed through the State Highways Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) on projects that convert existing lanes to priced managed lanes. Caltrans has stated that converting to priced managed lanes regulates demand for vehicle trips, reduces VMT, reduces carbon emissions, and can generate revenue for other low-carbon transportation projects.

 

The CRS outlines how California will spend its CRP dollars on reducing transportation carbon emissions. California's CRS focuses on the "Three Pillars":

 

Three Pillars:

 

BCAG has received apportionments for the IIJA 5-year period.  It is not known if this funding will continue in the next reauthorization bill.

 

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY PROGRAM:  The purpose of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program is to fund transportation projects or programs that will contribute to attainment or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone, carbon monoxide or particulate matter.

 

Many types of projects are eligible under the CMAQ program including electric vehicles and charging stations, diesel engine replacements and retrofits, transit improvements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, shared micro mobility projects including shared scooter systems, and more. In addition to improving air quality and reducing congestion, CMAQ projects can improve equitable access to transportation services, improve safety, and promote application of new and emerging technologies.  These types of projects further the goals that are in alignment with the CRP program, CAPTI and BCAG’s RTP/SCS.