HARRISBURG, PA — The future of transportation in Pennsylvania is getting a significant boost. Secretary Mike Carroll of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently announced a $5 million federal investment towards the repair and replacement of existing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state. The funds are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), marking a critical step in the state’s commitment to address climate change, stimulate economic growth, and prepare for a cleaner, safer, and more reliable transportation future.
“We are now among the nation’s leaders in rapidly implementing federal EV investments thanks to Governor Shapiro’s leadership,” Carroll stated. “The Shapiro Administration remains focused on improving our current transportation system while meeting Pennsylvanians’ growing demands for EV-charging options.”
PennDOT was one of the 24 recipients of the EV Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program grant. The department plans to administer the funds in a manner similar to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Currently, there are 293 eligible charging ports at 174 private locations in Pennsylvania. PennDOT intends to run a competitive program to select the chargers and sites for repair or replacement, anticipating that between 20 and 50 sites will receive an award.
In addition to this federal grant, Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of programs through the BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In an effort to assist communities and organizations in understanding these opportunities, PennDOT has created a webpage with details on federal grant opportunities. This resource aims to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies navigate the various transportation program grants available.
This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle infrastructure. By investing in EV charging stations, the state is not only facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles but also taking a proactive stance towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. This move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the state’s economy, environment, and transportation system, signaling a greener future for Pennsylvania.
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