Yesterday, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Sec. Mike Carroll, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Andrew Rogers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced the first round of conditional awards for federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding.
Fifty-four projects in 35 counties were selected to expand access to, and the reliability of, electric vehicle charging within Pennsylvania. The $33.8 million federal investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
"Our team worked diligently to meet federal NEVI requirements while also spreading opportunities among various companies and communities," Mike Carroll said in a press release.
"Because of Governor Shapiro's leadership and record of delivering for Pennsylvanians, we are among the first states distributing these funds that will provide travelers with options and confidence while also benefitting our environment. These new investments will create good paying jobs and allow Pennsylvanian residents, businesses, and visitors to travel across the Commonwealth faster, cleaner, and more reliably."
The NEVI funds support the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of charging sites. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. PennDOT received 271 unique funding submissions requesting $165.4 million for this round of investments.
The conditional awards include various recipients and site locations across the state. Four federally compliant charging ports will be funded at each charging location with 216 total funded charging ports. Twenty-two of the projects are in or within half a mile of state or federally designated disadvantaged communities.
Moving forward, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public involvement process will begin for each project. Projects can begin after those processes are successfully completed and agreements with each recipient are executed. Some projects may begin as early as late 2023.
Projects were evaluated on a competitive basis following federal requirements and other factors:
- Choosing a variety of recipients not only statewide but also along individual AFCs
- Projects that provided a variety of amenities and services to improve customer experience (such as varied payment options)
- Positive local economic development and workforce opportunities
- Locations that are welcoming, safe, and accessible for all
Additionally, on August 1, PennDOT submitted its Federal Fiscal Year 2024 NEVI Plan Update for federal review. The public may share input on the plan through an online surveyOpens In A New Window or emailing [email protected].
