Surface Transportation Block Grant & Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Programs
The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program is a federal transportation funding source for projects that preserve and improve the conditions and performance of highways, bridges, and public roads; pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; and transit capital projects.
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program is a federal funding source for transportation projects and programs to reduce congestion and improve air quality for areas that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, carbon monoxide or particulate matter (nonattainment areas) and for former nonattainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas).
SCAG is responsible for the project selection process for STBG and CMAQ funds in the region. The SCAG STBG/CMAQ Program Guidelines outline the process and procedures for the calls for project nominations and project selection.
Eligible applicants for STBG/CMAQ funding include SCAG cities, counties, transit agencies, federally recognized Tribal governments and county transportation commissions.
Contact
Questions regarding STBG and CMAQ funding should be directed to:
Heidi Busslinger
Principal Planner, Federal Transportation Improvement Program
busslinger@scag.ca.gov
Denise Sifford
Senior Regional Planner, Integrated Planning and Programming
sifford@scag.ca.gov
Federal Fiscal Years 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 Call for Project Nominations
The STBG/CMAQ SCAG online application is now open for all eligible applicants.
From March 31 to May 16, eligible applicants in the SCAG region can submit project nominations to receive a portion of an estimated $1.2 billion in federal funding. The SCAG Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and Federal Fiscal Year 2027-2028 STBG/CMAQ Program Guidelines, approved by the SCAG Regional Council on March 6, 2025, outline the process and procedures for the calls for project nominations and project selection. All interested applicants are encouraged to coordinate with their respective county transportation commissions to ensure alignment with local priorities.
To assist with the application process, SCAG is offering office hours for applicants to ask questions and receive guidance. Use SCAG’s online registration form to secure a 25-minute time slot. SCAG has also prepared an “Application Guidebook” and a fillable application template available for download to assist applicants in navigating the online application. Contact the listed SCAG or county transportation commission staff for more information and additional resources to support applications.
- SCAG’s STBG/CMAQ Program Priorities
In addition to incorporating all federal requirements in the STBG/CMAQ project selection process, SCAG also developed program guidelines with the goal of advancing the implementation of Connect SoCal 2024.
The primary program categories represent project types that SCAG has determined to be a priority for the SCAG region based on consistency with Connect SoCal 2024 goals and strategies, consistency with the 2024-25 SCAG presidential and Regional Council priorities, and with consideration of recent wildfires in Southern California.
Tier 1 Regional Priorities
- Clean Transportation
- Climate Resilience of At-Risk Infrastructure
- Transit and Multimodal Integration
- Transportation Demand Management
- Transportation System Management and Goods Movement
Tier 2 Regional Priorities
- Complete Streets
- Natural Lands Preservation
- System Preservation
Supplemental resources on SCAG-led efforts, including regional and local plans, studies, assessments, and technical reports in each of these critical program areas, are linked below.
- SCAG Transportation Demand Management Strategic Plan
- Southern California Zero Emission Truck Infrastructure Study (ZETI)
- Transit and Regional Dedicated Transit Lanes Study
- SCAG Region Value Pricing— Regional Express Lane Network: Concept of Operations
- Adaptation and Resilience Planning
- Comprehensive Goods Movement Plan
- Program Schedule (Subject to Change)
Activity Date Program Guidelines Adoption March 6, 2025, SCAG Regional Council Meeting SCAG Hosted Program Workshops
Workshop PresentationMarch 12, 2025 - Virtual
March 18, 2025 - VirtualCounty Transportation Commission Hosted Program Workshops Orange County - March 19, 2025
Los Angeles County - March 24, 2025
Riverside County - March 24, 2025
Ventura County - March 25, 2025
Imperial County - March 27, 2025
San Bernardino County -
Additional Information Available via County Transportation Commission ContactApplicant Office Hours Available Upon Request
Register HereProject Nomination Online Applications Opens for Submittal March 31, 2025 Project Nomination Online Application Due Date May 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. - County Transportation Commission Contacts
For more information regarding the county transportation commission project prioritization framework and scoring or county-specific workshop, please refer to the website and contact information for your county below:
County Contact Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) Marlene Flores, Associate Transportation Planner
marleneflores@imperialctc.orgOrange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Ben Ku, Section Manager
bku@octa.netLos Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Michael Richmai, Senior Manager
richmaim@metro.net
Nancy Marroquin, Senior Director
marroquinn@metro.netRiverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Edward Emery, Senior Management Analyst
eemery@rctc.orgSan Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Jamie Carone, Management Analyst III
jcarone@gosbcta.comVentura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Geiska Velasquez, Program Manager
gvelasquez@goventura.org- Application Resources
- Application Guidebook
- Word File Application Template
- Federal STBG Guidance
- Federal CMAQ Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions (Coming Soon)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I have a project eligibility question?
Please refer to the “Eligible Projects” section of the program guidelines for short descriptions of program categories. Refer to Appendix B of the program guidelines for examples of projects within each category.
Also, refer to federal guidance on STBG and CMAQ programs linked on the program webpage under the “Application Resources” dropdown menu. If you still have additional questions on project eligibility, please register for applicant office hours or reach out via email to FTIP@scag.ca.gov.
- Will there be considerations for cost increases on existing projects?
Yes, SCAG will consider cost increases through the application process for projects that already exist in the 2025 FTIP and are already receiving federal STBG or CMAQ funds. New requests must be clearly distinguished from current programming in the application.
- Are there minimums or maximums for funding requests?
SCAG has not established a minimum or maximum for funding requests. Please also review the applicable county transportation commission project prioritization framework, as this may be a consideration in some counties. When determining funding requests, applicants should also consider the ability to provide the required federal match and timely use of funds requirements.
- Is there a minimum or maximum number of applications that an applicant can submit?
SCAG has not set any minimum or maximum limit to the number of applications. Please also review the applicable county transportation commission project prioritization framework, as this may be a consideration in some counties.
- When will awarded applicants receive funding?
The program funds are distributed through a reimbursement basis. Therefore, following obligation for the funded phase of work, project sponsors should have sufficient cash flow to implement project activities in compliance with federal requirements and the administrative capacity to prepare and process invoices for eligible costs that will be processed for reimbursement through Caltrans Local Assistance.
- Can I request funding for pre-construction phases only? Would this make my project less competitive?
Yes, applicants can request preliminary engineering (environmental or design phase) only. Though these requests will not be penalized, projects that have a clearly defined scope and demonstrate project readiness will be considered more competitive. Please also review the applicable county transportation commission project prioritization framework, which might be a consideration in some counties.
- How should multi-county projects approach county project prioritization frameworks?
Multi-county projects should submit individual applications for the funding request pertaining to each county the project is located in. Multi-county applications are subject to the county prioritization frameworks for all counties where the project is located. Multi-county applications should include ALL applicable supplemental questions (from all applicable counties).
In cases where a multi-county project is not highly recommended by all applicable counties, SCAG will reach out to the applicant to discuss next steps, including potential opportunities for down scoping or partial funding award.
- Will Olympics funding be available in the call?
All eligible project types from eligible applicants may be considered. Applicants considering submitting applications for transportation projects that would support the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games should especially consider timely use of funds requirements, useful life requirements, and air quality conformity requirements.
- If I submit multiple applications, am I required to rank preference for award?
Ranking applications is not a SCAG requirement, as projects will be evaluated based on the approved evaluation criteria. Please also review the applicable county transportation commission project prioritization framework, as this may be a consideration in some counties.
- Can applicants apply directly to SCAG? Are applications required to go through the county transportation commission?
All applicants are subject to the applicable county transportation commission framework.
- For certifications and assurances, what if I need someone else with signing authority at my agency to attest?
Applicants may upload a separate document with the signing authority information in the Attachments tab.
- Can I make changes after my application has been submitted?
If an applicant submits early and needs to make changes prior to the close of the application period, applicants can reach out to SCAG staff to have the application unsubmitted.
Following the application deadline of May 16 at 5 p.m., applicants will no longer have access to edit the application. Please plan to submit early if you anticipate the need for technical assistance.
- Is this a one-time funding opportunity? When will the next call for projects be?
Though SCAG does not currently have estimates for subsequent federal fiscal year apportionments, SCAG expects to administer similar size calls for projects every odd year. The current federal surface transportation authorization, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is set to expire in September 2026. After the expiration of the IIJA, future years of funding will be subject to federal surface transportation reauthorization, continuation, or other congressional action.
- Are there any drawbacks if agencies reapply for projects that were on the contingency list in last year's cycle and request a different amount of funds?
Projects that have not been awarded or programmed from the prior cycle contingency list are encouraged to reapply with updated cost estimates.
- Do I need a City Council-approved resolution when applying for a grant?
SCAG does not require a resolution. Please also review the applicable county transportation commission project prioritization framework, as this may be a consideration in some counties.
- Are projects already in construction eligible for this funding?
Generally, this is not recommended to be done through the call for projects process, as expenses incurred prior to authorization of funds may not be considered reimbursable.
Already federalized phases of work, and phases already federally authorized to start work, may be considered for cost increases outside of the call for projects process. Please reach out to SCAG staff if you have questions about a specific project.
- Can an applicant apply for multiple “options” for the same project to see which can potentially score higher?
Each submitted application must be clearly defined and eligible for the requested funding sources. Multiple applications from the same applicant should be separate projects without overlapping scope.
- Can my project apply for both STBG and CMAQ funding through one application, and how do I indicate my preference for funding sources?
Yes, in the programming table, you can request a combination of both STBG and CMAQ. You will need to clearly show the requested amounts for each program in the programming table as well as the local match components for both of the projects.
You will also have to fill out all the applicable questions related to both fund sources to confirm that you're eligible to receive both funding types. For CMAQ, make sure that the project will reduce emissions, and for STBG, make sure that the project meets that location criteria regarding the functional classification of the road if applicable. Please use the narrative box to share more context for your request.
Depending on the application content, we can determine which funding source or sources the project best aligns with.
- Is the application portal limited to one account per applicant agency, or can we create multiple accounts?
Multiple accounts can be created within one applicant agency. Each user will have access to all of the applications from their own agency.
2023-2026 Award Recipients
On June 6, 2024, the SCAG Regional Council approved 2023-2026 STBG/CMAQ funding recommendations for $186.9 million across 33 projects within the SCAG region. Projects approved by SCAG for STBG/CMAQ funding must be programmed in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program.
In addition to the full list of 33 projects, the SCAG Regional Council also approved a contingency list of projects estimated at $101 million.
- Imperial County
- City of Brawley. Western Avenue Improvement Project ($599,000)
- City of El Centro. Right of Way Utility Relocations Project, Phase IV ($520,000)
- City of Imperial. P Street Rehabilitation Project, Phase I ($519,000)
- City of Imperial. Aten Boulevard Sidewalk Installation Project, Phase III ($144,000)
- City of Imperial. Aten Boulevard Sidewalk Installation Project, Phase I ($132,000)
- City of Imperial. Aten Boulevard Sidewalk Installation Project, Phase II ($112,000)
- Los Angeles County
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. SR-91 Atlantic to Cherry Improvements Project ($24,333,000)
- Los Angeles County. South Whittier Community Bikeway Access Improvement Project ($17,060,021)
- San Gabriel Valley Council of Government. La Verne A Line Transit Oriented Development Pedestrian Bridge Project ($16,000,000)
- Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). Exposition II West Bikeways Project ($13,279,500)
- City of Culver City. Jefferson Enhanced Transit Service Project ($9,530,321)
- City of Glendale. City of Glendale Electrification of Beeline Bus Fleet and Maintenance ($7,680,000)
- City of Long Beach. Studebaker Corridor Complete Streets Project ($5,000,000)
- LADOT. Mid-City Low Stress Bicycle Enhancement Corridors ($1,810,419)
- Orange County
- City of Huntington Beach. Banning Avenue Roundabout & Southeast Corridor Complete Streets Improvements ($5,000,000)
- City of Irvine. Venta Spur Trail & Jeffrey Road Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge ($5,000,000)
- City of Fullerton. Harbor Boulevard Complete Streets Planning Study ($4,854,000)
- City of Mission Viejo. Mission Viejo Quad Cities Trail ($4,787,200)
- City of Irvine. Harvard Avenue Complete Streets and Safety Improvements ($4,312,000)
- City of Laguna Niguel. South Forbes Road Oso Creek Trail Active Transportation Enhancements ($3,415,000)
- City of Tustin. Main Street Enhancement Project ($3,172,000)
- City of Orange. Riverdale Avenue Complete Streets Improvements ($2,573,000)
- City of Buena Park. Orangethorpe Avenue Complete Streets Planning Study ($308,000)
- Riverside County
- Riverside County Transportation Commission. I-15 Express Lanes Project Southern Extension ($18,700,000)
- Coachella Valley Association of Governments. Addressing Climate Change, Emergencies, and Sandstorms ($7,589,150)
- SunLine Transit Agency. SunLine Hydrogen Fueling Station - Division III ($2,680,200)
- San Bernardino County
- San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. I-10 Corridor Freight and Managed Lane Project ($23,000,000)
- Ventura County
- Ventura County Transportation Commission. Santa Paula Branch Line Trail Master Plan Update and EIR-EIS ($1,600,000)
- City of Camarillo. Pleasant Valley Road Bike Lanes Class II ($1,500,000)
- City of Thousand Oaks. Lynn Road Class IV Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Improvements ($1,350,000)
- Gold Coast Transit District. Ventura Road Demonstration Route ($1,300,000)
- Ventura County Transportation Commission. Ventura County Community Traffic Calming and Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program ($300,000)
- Ventura County Transportation Commission. Countywide Community Outreach for Public Transit ($171,000)