ACOG Board Approves Over $50 Million in Transportation and Air Quality Investments Across Central Oklahoma
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors has approved more than $50 million in federal and regional funding to support critical transportation improvements, congestion reduction efforts, and clean air initiatives across Central Oklahoma.
As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Central Oklahoma, ACOG plays a critical role in guiding how federal transportation funds are prioritized and invested across the region. Through its Transportation Planning Services (TPS) Department, ACOG ensures that all planning and funding decisions comply with federal guidelines established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), along with state and local requirements.
The funding decisions, approved on January 22, 2026, include investments through three competitive programs:
- Surface Transportation Block Grant – Urbanized Area (STBG-UZA): Approximately $40 million for major roadway, transit, and safety projects
- Air Quality Grant (AQG) Program: $7.7 million for congestion mitigation, pedestrian improvements, and transit enhancements
- Public Fleet Clean Air Grant Program: $4.16 million for cleaner vehicle fleets and alternative fuel infrastructure
Together, these programs will advance regional mobility, improve safety, reduce emissions, and enhance quality of life across the ACOG metropolitan planning area.
Strategic Transportation Investments
Through a highly competitive process, ACOG received 29 applications totaling nearly $93 million in requested STBG-UZA funding.
Key investments include:
- Major intersection and corridor improvements in Oklahoma City and Norman
- Transit vehicle replacements and fleet modernization
- Safety-focused infrastructure such as signage, signal upgrades, and pavement markings
- Strategic widening and multimodal corridor enhancements
Federal rules allow a portion of these funds to fully cover safety-related construction costs, enabling targeted investments in high-impact safety improvements.
Improving Air Quality and Reducing Congestion
The FY 2026 Air Quality Grant Program will fund 14 projects totaling $7.7 million in federal investment, supporting initiatives that reduce transportation emissions and improve traffic flow.
Funded projects include:
- Signal synchronization and congestion reduction in Oklahoma City and Mustang
- Pedestrian safety and lighting improvements in Del City, Harrah, and Newcastle
- Trail expansion and active transportation infrastructure in Bethany
- Transit expansion in Edmond
- Multimodal improvements in Norman and across the region
These projects align with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) goals by targeting emissions reduction and mobility efficiency.
Advancing Clean Transportation and Fleet Innovation
Through the Public Fleet Clean Air Grant Program, ACOG awarded $4.16 million across seven projects to support fleet modernization and alternative fuel infrastructure.
Funded initiatives include:
- Expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling infrastructure
- Installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Deployment of electric and hybrid fleet vehicles
- Solar-powered charging and energy systems
Projects led by Midwest City, Norman, Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, and regional partners will significantly reduce emissions from public fleets while supporting long-term operational efficiency.
Regional Impact
“These investments represent a coordinated regional approach to improving mobility, enhancing safety, and supporting cleaner transportation options,” Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director said.
The selected projects reflect collaboration among municipalities, transit providers, and regional partners, ensuring that federal transportation dollars are used effectively to address both current needs and future growth.
Complete list of Grant Awardees
OKC STBG UZA Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Matt Hinkle, Oklahoma City Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Oklahoma City for transportation improvements.
OKC PFG Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Matt Hinkle, Oklahoma City Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, and Eric Pollard, ACOG Air Quality and Clean Cities Manager, present a check to the City of Oklahoma City for public fleet improvements.
OKC AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Matt Hinkle, Oklahoma City Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Oklahoma City for air quality and congestion improvements.
Norman STBG UZA Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Stephen Holman, Norman Mayor and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Norman for transportation improvements.
Norman PFG Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Stephen Holman, Norman Mayor and ACOG Board Member; John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, and Eric Pollard, ACOG Air Quality and Clean Cities Manager present a check to the City of Norman for public fleet improvements.
Norman AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Stephen Holman, Norman Mayor and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Norman for projects that relieve congestion, reduce transportation emissions and improve air quality.
Nichols Hills PFG Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Sody Clements, Nichols Hill Vice Mayor ; and David Frick, AICP, ACOG Air Quality and Clean Cities Planner III, present a check to the City of Nichols Hills for Public Fleet transportation projects.
Newcastle AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Mike Fullerton, Newcastle Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check in funding to the City of Newcastle for their Air Quality Grant project.
MWC PFG Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Matt Dukes, Midwest City Mayor and ACOG Board Member; John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, and David Frick, AICP, ACOG Air Quality and Clean Cities Planner III, present a check to the City of Midwest City for their Public Fleet Grant project.
Mustang AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Nathan Sholund, Mustang Vice Mayor and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check in funding to the City of Mustang for their Air Quality Grant Program project.
Moore STBG UZA Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Kathy Griffith, Moore Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Moore for transportation improvements.
Harrah AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Tim Rudek, Harrah Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Harrah for their Air Quality Grant Program Project.
Edmond AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Maggie Murdock Nichols, Edmond Councilmember and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Edmond for their Air Quality Grant Program project.
Bethany AQC Funding
Left to right: Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director; Amanda Sandoval, Bethany Mayor and ACOG Board Member; and John Sharp, ACOG Deputy Director, present a check to the City of Bethany for their Air Quality Grant Program project.