Guide to Local Recovery Update: March 22
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the opening of an electric vehicle charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure grant program and the Local Infrastructure Hub is hosting a series of infrastructure webinars. Also, the National League of Cities is seeking feedback on how to simplify the federal grant process.
New EV charging program and alternative-fueling grant program
The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for a new $2.5 billion electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling grant program: the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.
Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program will support projects in urban and rural communities, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities, as well as those in designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Projects in low- and moderate-income communities that disproportionately experience the consequences of climate change and other pollutants are a key focus of the program.
The new program builds on the state-operated National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The Federal Highway Administration recently published the final rule establishing minimum standards and requirements for NEVI-funded projects.
Applications for the charging and fueling infrastructure program are due by May 30, 2023.
Local Infrastructure Hub recovery webinars
The Local Infrastructure Hub — a partnership between several local government associations — announced a slate of recovery webinars focused on electric vehicles (EV), energy conservation, and street safety.
On March 30, attendees will learn about upcoming EV grant opportunities and the best strategies for securing funding. April 4 will focus on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which over 200 cities in California are eligible for.
Do you have ideas about how to make the federal grant process easier?
The National League of Cities is seeking feedback on how the federal grants and awards process can be simplified and made easier for municipalities. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete.
City officials looking for additional information about the American Rescue Plan Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, or additional recovery tools can visit the Cal Cities Guide to Local Recovery portal.