Trails, transit systems, and traffic flow improvements are set to take place across Colorado following the announcement of grant recipients for the Community Clean Transportation Assistance Program (CCTAP), an initiative managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Nonattainment Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise (NAAPME). The program targets projects in the Denver and North Front Range Ozone Nonattainment Area, a region where ozone pollution levels have surpassed federal standards.
The CCTAP aims to address air quality concerns by supporting projects that reduce vehicle emissions, enhance multimodal transportation access, and increase safety through infrastructure upgrades. Out of 20 applications received from various organizations, NAAPME selected 11 projects for funding after a thorough review process. A total of $17.3 million has been allocated to these efforts, with special consideration given to projects benefiting communities most affected by air pollution.
“This program is vital in our commitment to improving air quality and mitigating the impact of motor vehicle emissions in the Denver and North Front Range Ozone Nonattainment Area,” said NAAPME Program Administrator Darius Pakbaz. “These projects represent a significant step forward in our efforts to create a cleaner, healthier Colorado, especially for our disproportionately impacted communities.”
Some recipients will expand existing initiatives while others will start new ones. In Loveland, funding will be used to develop a mobility hub and improve traffic at US Highway 34 and US Highway 287.
“The City of Loveland is proud to partner with the Colorado Department of Transportation and NAAPME on a project that will enhance two vital regional corridors,” said Loveland City Engineer Nicole Hahn. “By 2028, we aim to deliver transportation improvements that will reduce congestion, expand access to active modes of travel and contribute to better air quality for the entire Front Range community.”
Greeley plans to use its grant for building four mobility hubs intended to integrate various transit options.
Victoria Leonhardt, senior urban transportation planner for Greeley, stated that Greeley was excited about receiving support for its “Greeley Connected: Mobility Hubs Project” — calling it “a vital investment in our community’s future.”
“These hubs will help improve access, reduce emissions, and support a stronger local economy by connecting people to more options — whether they walk, bike, ride transit, or drive electric,” Leonhardt said. “This project moves us closer to achieving the ‘Greeley on the Go 2045’ vision of a safe and connected city.”
Other funded projects include roundabout construction in Weld County aimed at improving safety near schools and reducing crashes; trail development in Estes Park designed to connect key destinations; sidewalk completion in Adams County; planning active transportation networks in Fort Collins; enhancements along Boulder County’s CO 119 corridor; upgrades for bus rapid transit routes in Denver; and expansion of air pollution mitigation programs into Larimer and Weld counties.
The awarded grants reflect ongoing efforts by state agencies like CDOT and NAAPME to tackle both environmental justice concerns and transportation needs throughout affected areas.
