NAAPME seeks applications for air quality improvement projects

News Release

Nov. 21, 2024 - Colorado - Funding would go to projects in the Denver metro area and on the north Front Range

Statewide — The Nonattainment Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise, or NAAPME, is seeking applications for its first Notice of Funding Opportunity, or NOFO, that would support the mitigation of the environmental and health impacts of increased air pollution from motor vehicle emissions in the Denver and North Front Range Ozone Nonattainment Area. 

This funding opportunity would support communities and other governmental entities in the nonattainment area with eligible projects that would provide demonstrated improvements to air quality in the nonattainment area.

Projects funded through this program should aim to meet the business purpose of NAAPME and look to address at least one of the funding focus areas identified in the NAAPME 10-Year Plan. Additional consideration will be given to projects that support disproportionately impacted communities, as defined in state law.

Program Goals

  • Support projects in the nonattainment area, either entirely or partially, that will provide demonstrable reduction in air pollution and encourage alternatives to single-occupancy motor vehicle travel
  • Fund projects that support disproportionately impacted communities and that support the business purpose of the enterprise
  • Support projects that can help achieve neighborhood connectivity and provide transportation choice

Application Process Timeline

Nov. 4, 2024: Notice of Funding Opportunity Opens

November 2024 through February 2025: Open period for questions, technical assistance and identification of engineering review of proposed project. Responses to specific questions to clarify requirements will be posted on the final business day of the month throughout the open period, with final posting of responses to occur by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

5 p.m., Feb. 25, 2025: Deadline to submit draft applications for review

March through April 2025: Technical review of applications and engineering review for infrastructure project feasibility.

5 p.m., April 30, 2025: Deadline to submit final applications with engineering review certification.

May 2025: Applications evaluated by enterprise staff

4:30 p.m., June 26, 2025: NAAPME Board of Directors review and award projects for the Fiscal Year 2025 notice of funding opportunity.

No later than July 31, 2025: Award notices sent to applicable parties

NAAPME is an enterprise created within the Colorado Department of Transportation to support mitigation of the environmental and health impacts of increased air pollution from motor vehicle emissions in nonattainment areas that results from the rapid and continuing growth in retail deliveries made by motor vehicles and in prearranged rides provided by transportation network companies.

NAAPME funding is for eligible projects that reduce traffic, including demand management projects that encourage alternatives to driving alone or that directly reduce air pollution, such as retrofitting of construction equipment, construction of roadside vegetation barriers, and planting trees along medians.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

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