The Wyoming Department of Transportation announced it will release for comment its strategy to execute funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) for use in facilitating electric vehicle infrastructure development, especially for charging stations.
The NEVI formula funds, provided through the Infrastructure Investment and jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), allocates $3.9 million to WYDOT in 2022 and another estimated $5 million a year for the next four years, for a total of $23.96 million through 2026.
In preparation, the WYDOT has developed a Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy and will circulate it over the next month to generate public comment and feedback.
“These stations will not only be powered by Wyoming energy but will help facilitate tourism around the state,” said Director Luke Reiner. “We want drivers who choose EVs to have safe and reliable ways to charge their vehicles as they drive in our state. This has been an inter-agency effort to maximize available resources for our residents and visitors.”
The state’s interstates have been designated as “Alternative Fuel Corridors,” the WYDOT said, and under the NEVI program, must have infrastructure installed first. The corridor infrastructure needs to adhere to guidelines set by the NEVI Program Join Office for charger efficiency, location, and accessibility, the department said. Once the interstate corridors are complete, the remaining funding can be spent on other key routes to popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument.
WYDOT and other state officials have scheduled public meetings throughout the state in early April to gather public input, as well as feedback from potential bidders and other interested parties. Each meeting will also have a virtual component for online access to meetings and proposed plans.