By Jerry Bohnen | OK Energy Today
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has scheduled a May 30 informational meeting to explain how it intends to use $66 million in federal funding to build an electric vehicle charging network in the state.
The program is called “EVOK,” which is the department’s initiative to create a connected and efficient electric vehicle charging network. It will use the $66 million over the next five years through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.
The money will finance EV charging stations along interstates highways and designated alternative fuel corridors. The funding for the first year is $22.9 million to start construction of charging stations along the interstates in Oklahoma.
ODOT is mobilizing business leaders, manufacturers, contractors, vendors, and other interested parties to join efforts to bring EV charging stations to Oklahoma.
The Transportation Department will soon release a request for proposals for stakeholders to review. Winning proposals will receive up to 80% federal funding for eligible project costs to build, operate, and maintain National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure-compliant EV charging stations.
Before release of the final RFP, ODOT will provide an overview of the program, a preview of key RFP components, and allow the public to ask questions and provide comments in a virtual format.
The session is scheduled for May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. The virtual meeting will be accessible via Zoom.
Several documents are available for review on the project website. [https://oklahoma.gov/evok.html]. The presentation will be recorded and posted to the project website after the live meeting.
A draft RFP will be available later for public comment. Comments will be considered, and the RFP will be modified if necessary. The final RFP will be posted in July, with proposals due in September. Specific dates will be outlined in the RFP. Selected proposals will be awarded funds in October.