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Nine of America’s most congested cities have been named semi-finalists for a new federal program that will provide $1.1 billion to fight traffic jams, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced yesterday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will consider proposals for its Urban Partnership program from Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Miami, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Each of the cities’ proposals include improving transit options and implementing tolls that vary based on traffic volume.

“We’re asking cities to try something different, innovative and daring when it comes to fighting traffic,” Peters said during a New York City news conference.

USDOT plans to announce the winners by mid-August. In addition to funding, the department will provide participants with technical advice and offer an expedited review process.