Overview
The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Office of Sustainability & Public Health will host multiple in-person conversations statewide about nominating roads as Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). AFCs are a national network of plug-in electric vehicle (EV) charging, as well as hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along national highway system corridors. MnDOT wants input from community members on the future corridors and what roads, if any, to nominate. The Southwest Minnesota AFC public engagement meeting will take place May 3, from 1:00-3:00 pm, at the Windom Community Center (1750 Cottonwood Lake Drive, Windom, MN 56101). Attendee registration is not required, and MnDOT will use the same agenda at all locations.
Background
The U.S. DOT AFC Nominations process started under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST) Act in 2015. It was modified under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Minnesota currently has two roads designated as AFCs for Electric Vehicles: I-94 and I-35. This designation is important for determining how to spend federal IIJA funds on charging stations, including the numbers, type, etc.
Round 6 of nominations happened between February and May 2022, with a focus on DC Fast Chargers and Interstates. The Federal Highway Administration has not released the criteria for the upcoming Round 7 yet, but they will likely release the criteria in the first half of 2023.
Agenda
-Review the current status of the Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan.
-Discuss the pros and cons of designating additional roads as AFCs.
-Understand the capacity and interest of communities and utilities in various levels of EV charging.
MnDOT invites and encourages participation from everyone at the meetings. If you need an ASL or foreign language interpreter, documents in an alternative format, or any other reasonable accommodation for this event, please email Janet Miller (ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us) or call 651-366-4720.