The call for project nominations for SCAG’s Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 STBG/CMAQ funding cycle is now closed. From March 31 to May 16, eligible applicants in the SCAG region had the opportunity to submit project nominations for a share of an estimated $1.2 billion in federal funding.
To support potential applicants, SCAG hosted two general program workshops and six county-specific workshops – including a second Los Angeles County session for applicants submitting projects supporting the 2028 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Additionally, SCAG provided technical assistance through office hours throughout April, resulting in over 30 appointments.
In total, 257 applications were submitted as part of the STBG and CMAQ program call for project nominations.
Award recommendations will be presented to the SCAG Regional Council by December 2025.
- 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.
- What phases of work are eligible for CMAQ/STBG funds?
All phases of work (PA/ED, PS&E, ROW, and CON) are eligible for CMAQ/STBG. General planning studies are not eligible for CMAQ funds.
