As the metropolitan planning organization for the Hampton Roads area, the HRTPO is directly responsible for project selection and allocation of funds under two federal funding programs – the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP).  This year’s CMAQ/RSTP Project Selection Process will focus on allocating funds for fiscal year 2023. 

The HRTPO encourages citizens to submit ideas for potential CMAQ and RSTP projects.  In fact, the first step of the HRTPO CMAQ/RSTP Project Selection Process is to solicit the general public for such project ideas.  All project ideas submitted by the deadline will be forwarded to the appropriate eligible recipient(s) for consideration and possible application. 

Citizens may submit project ideas using the CMAQ/RSTP Project Idea Form that is available on the CMAQ and RSTP page of the HRTPO website at http://www.hrtpo.org/page/cmaq-and-rstp/.  The form is a Word document that includes step-by-step instructions on how to submit project ideas.  The deadline for submitting CMAQ/RSTP Project Idea Forms is July 31, 2016. 

The process for obtaining CMAQ or RSTP funding for transportation projects is a competitive one.  Projects proposed by eligible recipients are analyzed by HRTPO staff using a set of criteria that has been approved by the HRTPO Board.  The proposed projects are then ranked based on the results of the analyses.  This project ranking is used in the selection of projects that will ultimately receive funding. 

Eligible recipients of CMAQ and RSTP funds in Hampton Roads include: HRTPO localities, Hampton Roads Transit, Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and the HRTPO. 

In Hampton Roads, CMAQ is primarily used to fund projects that help improve air quality.  Examples of projects that are eligible for CMAQ funding include: 

• Congestion Reduction, Traffic Flow Improvements, and ITS
  • Intersection improvements, such as adding turn lanes
  • Signal system improvements and timing optimization
  • Variable message signs; Traveler information improvements
  • HOV lanes
• Public Transportation Improvements
  • New or expanded transit service
  • Bus rehabilitation and replacement
  • Passenger rail projects (Light Rail and Intercity Rail)
  • Bus shelters
  • Rail stations and transfer stations
  • Rail vehicle purchase and replacement
• Ridesharing
  • Park and ride lots
  • Ride matching
  • Vanpool programs
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
  • Bicycle paths and trails
  • Multiuse trails
  • Sidewalks
• Freight and Intermodal Improvements
  • Diesel engine retrofits on trucks and locomotives
  • Intermodal transfer facilities
  • Barge projects

RSTP may be used to fund a wide range of transportation projects, including: 

• Highway Capacity, Accessibility, and Operational Improvements
  • Road widening
  • New road construction
  • HOV lanes
  • New interchanges
  • Corridor operations
  • Bridge rehabilitation
  • Traffic signal systems
  • Intelligent transportation systems
• Public Transportation Improvements
  • New or expanded service
  • Bus rehabilitation and replacement
  • Passenger rail projects (Light Rail and Intercity Rail)
  • Bus shelters
  • Rail stations and transfer stations
  • Rail vehicle purchase and replacement
• Ridesharing
  • Park and ride lots
  • Ride matching
  • Vanpool programs
• Freight and Intermodal Improvements
  • Diesel engine retrofits on trucks and locomotives
  • Intermodal transfer facilities
  • Barge projects
• Planning Studies 

If you have any questions about the project selection process or how to submit a project idea, please contact Mr. Mike Kimbrel, Principal Transportation Engineer, by email at mkimbrel@hrtpo.org, or by phone at (757) 420-8300. 

For more information on the HRTPO CMAQ/RSTP Project Selection Process, click on the Guide to the HRTPO CMAQ/RSTP Project Selection Process, which is also available on the CMAQ and RSTP page of the HRTPO website.