Pennsylvanians looking forward to a greener commute are in for some good news. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, a fresh round of financing is rolling out to support the development of electric vehicle charging stations across the state. This move comes as part of the national push to modernize America’s infrastructure and to combat climate change.
PennDOT said it will open proposals for its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding opportunity on May 13, and the call for projects will shut down on July 10, as reported by the state agency. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll told the press, "With federal dollars provided by the a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvania is continuing its progress to build out the EV charger network along the state's alternative fuel corridors."
The NEVI funding is part of a strategic effort supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), through which Pennsylvania will distribute $171.5 million federal funds dedicated specifically to electric vehicle charging infrastructure over the next five years. In the latest round, known as Round 1B, approximately $12 million will be up for grabs to applicants focusing on areas the state has identified as needing additional EV infrastructure.
Interested parties have until 5 p.m. EDT on the aforementioned July deadline to submit their proposals electronically through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development's eGrants system. The funding initiative is designed on a reimbursement basis, with proposers mandated to front a minimum 20% match of the total project costs. Funding is fiercely competitive and projects must close gaps along alternative fuel corridors that currently miss out on adequate charging stations. The Department of Transportation demands EV charging stations be spaced no more than 50 miles apart and located less than one mile from highway exits to ensure maximum accessibility.
For more information about how to apply for these funds and detailed guidance on the program, the PennDOT website provides comprehensive resources, including a map outlining priority locations for funding and answers to technical questions. The agency aims to assist local communities and organizations in understanding and seizing transportation-related federal grants made available through the infrastructure bill, offering a variety of tools and links to aid application processes.
