What Funding Programs Are Administered by the CMA?

The CMA programs funds from three major funding sources:

1. The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

2. Federal funds available through the Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STP)and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program

3. The Transportation Fund for Clean Air Program (TFCA)

Additional information on each of these programs can be found under the programming section of the CMA’s Website.

What is a Smart Corridor?

The “Smart Corridors” program consists of operational improvements targeted to improve the efficiency of the transportation network. The CMA is implementing Smart Corridor Improvements in two corridors: The San Pablo Corridor between Oakland and Route 4 in Contra Costa County and the East 14th Street/Hesperian Corridor between Oakland and Fremont. Improvements targeted for these corridors included upgraded signal systems and advanced signal timing, emergency vehicle preemption and transit priority systems. Additional information on these projects can be found at the Smart Corridors website www.smartcorridors.net

I live adjacent to the freeway and would like a soundwall constructed behind my house. Who do I talk to about this?

The CMA has identified funding in our long range plan for construction of “Retrofit Soundwalls” that meet certain criteria. In general, soundwalls will be considered in areas adjacent to a freeway where the effected properties were constructed prior to the freeway construction and where noise and cost levels meet certain criteria. When a request for a soundwall is received, the CMA works with Caltrans to determine the eligibility and to complete an initial noise level study. If the location qualifies for a soundwall based on the initial study, the CMA will request a petition demonstrating support for the project from the affected property owners. The CMA will work with your local jurisdiction (i.e. city or county) during this process.

How long will it take to complete a soundwall project?

The process to go from initial project concept to a completed project is a lengthy process. It generally takes 2-3 years to get a project from initial concept, initial study, petition of support, and a full project study report. At this point, the project is eligible to receive funding. Once a project is programmed with funding, an additional 2-5 year average time period may be required to complete a projects construction.

Who are the members of the CMA Board?  How are they chosen?

The list of Board members can be found here.

The Board consists of a representative from each city council,  two members of the County Board of Supervisors, and one member each from the AC Transit and BART boards.  The respective council or board selects its representative to the CMA Board.

How are votes apportioned to Board members?

City and county representatives hold votes in rough proportion to the population of their community.  Each city gets a minimum of one vote.  The AC Transit and BART board representatives carry one vote each.

How often does the CMA Board meet?

The board meets each month with exception of August.  Special meetings are sometimes held to address key issues.

Does the Board have committees?

Yes.  There are currently three standing committees — Plans & Programs, Administration & Legislation and a technical advisory committee.  The first two committees are composed of members of the board.  The technical advisory committee includes staff representatives from the various jurisdictions within Alameda County.

What is the scope to the CMA’s responsibilities?

The CMA is the planning and programming agency for Alameda County.  It prepares the long range Countywide Transportation Plan and the shorter range Congestion Management Program. The CMA also undertakes special studies and investigations. The CMA sets priorities for the use of State and federal funds available to Alameda County, by adopting a program of projects for the State Transportation Improvement Program and for portions of the federal Surface Transportation Program, the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program, and the Transportation Fund for Clean Air. The CMA designs and operates the SMART Corridors program (see description below). The CMA manages construction of selected transit, road and highway improvements when the agency’s involvement will expedite a project. The CMA is the managing agency for the I-680 Smart Carpool Lane (see description elsewhere on the website). The CMA runs the Guaranteed Ride Home program for Alameda County (see description elsewhere on the website).