The Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21) is the national transportation funding mechanism. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments is the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) that allocates and schedules federal transportation dollars for the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Federal legislation requires that the MPO prepare and approve the local TIP. Funded projects are chosen and prioritized from, and are consistent with the region’s 20-year TIP.

 Resources for Missouri and Illinois are allocated separately in two primary grant categories, Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ). Transportation Enhancement projects are allocated from STP funds.

For additional information on Grant Preparation and funding in the St. Louis metropolitan region, please visit the East-West Gateway Council of Governments website at http://www.ewgateway.org/trans/shortrgplan/tip/tip.htm

Surface Transportation Program (STP)

The Surface Transportation Program (STP) provides flexible funding for states and localities for improvements on public roads and bridges, transit capital projects, and improvements to transit terminals and facilities. A minimum amount of a state’s STP funds must be spent in metropolitan areas with a population of over 200,000.  All locally sponsored projects programmed with STP-S funds utilize these “suballocated” funds. A minimum of 10% of STP funds statewide must be spent on “transportation enhancements,” non-traditional projects such as historic preservation, alternative non-motorized transportation, and landscaping. Transportation Enhancement projects must be related to surface transportation. Additionally, a 10% portion of the statewide apportionment of STP funds must be spent on “safety” type improvements. 

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program

The CMAQ program funds projects in air quality non-attainment areas and maintenance areas for ozone, carbon monoxide, and small particulate matter, with the goal of reducing transportation-related emissions and helping metropolitan areas comply with national ambient air quality standards.