The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently unveiled its first round of conditional awards for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a significant stride for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging accessibility across the state.
From the announcement, 54 projects spanning 35 counties were chosen, representing a federal investment totaling $33.8 million for this inaugural round.
Lebanon County has made the cut, with Love’s Travel Stops at 22 Old Forge Road, Jonestown, securing $689,324 for a new charging facility. Situated off of Exit 90 on Interstate 81, this location will bolster charging infrastructure for both local and long-distance EV motorists.
Before projects can break ground, they will undergo the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public involvement process. Following successful completion of the NEPA process and the execution of legal agreements, some projects might kick off as soon as late 2023.
The funding comes via reimbursement, and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match.
The NEVI Formula Program, stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), allocates $7.5 billion nationally to bolster EV charging accessibility. This funding is split between the $5 billion NEVI Formula Program and a $2.5 billion Discretionary Grant Program for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure.
Over its initial five years, Pennsylvania is set to benefit from $171.5 million in dedicated formula funding.
The principal aim of these funds is for states to establish Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations along its designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) in a bid to construct a cohesive national EV AFC network. The ultimate goal is NEVI-compliant DCFC stations no more than 50 miles apart on each AFC and within a mile from the nearest AFC exit.
Once a state meets these criteria, they can divert NEVI funds to any public road or accessible location for EV charging purposes.
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