The push for greener transportation in Louisiana has hit a new milestone with the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) opening applications for electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation starting December 6, 2024. The move is supported by a generous $73.4 million allocation through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. According to an announcement made by Department of Transportation and Development, the funding is aimed to pave the way for ten new publicly accessible charging stations, meeting stringent federal requirements.
The financial support structure allows National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds to cover up to 80% of the installation costs. However, applicants must be ready to foot the remaining 20% from private sources. In the first funding round, approximately $10 million is dedicated for ten projects concentrating on the setup of Direct Current Fast Charging (Level 3) facilities. A Request for Proposals will be issued to entice competitive grant proposals for the development of these infrastructures along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors by the Federal Highway Administration.
As part of the Department of Transportation and Development's efforts to create a more sustainable future for transportation in the state, subsequent funding opportunities will be revealed following the acquisition of additional federal funds. The vision for Department of Transportation and Development spans beyond a mere expansion of electric vehicle charging sites. The ultimate goal is to establish a convenient, accessible, reliable, and equitable charging network that threads throughout the breadth of Louisiana, ensuring that all citizens can partake in and benefit from the switch to electric vehicles.
