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PennDOT to begin accepting applications for electric vehicle infrastructure grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it will begin accepting applications for Round 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Program on March 27.

The applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. May 5.

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in federal formula funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure over the next five years.

For the Round 1 funding, PennDOT has advanced appropriations of $25.4 million for federal fiscal year 2022 and $36.5 million for 2023.

Around $56 million is expected to be available for applicants. The PA NEVI grant program is a reimbursement grant program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match.

Funds for the PA NEVI grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain EV Station Infrastructure sites across Pennsylvania.

“We’ve aligned our NEVI grant program to Federal Highway Administration’s final rulemaking to ensure the best possible strategy and success for Pennsylvania,” said Acting PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Our grant program will enhance Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure while supporting local communities.”

PennDOT said that while most entities are eligible to receive NEVI funds; however, it anticipates most applicants will be public-sector entities, incorporated nonprofit entities, and corporations or business entities registered to do business in Pennsylvania.

The focus will be on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements.

All applications must be submitted electronically through PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s eGrants system at https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx.

Grant applications for EV infrastructure open next month

Applications for grants to build the state’s electric vehicle infrastructure will open next month for organizations looking to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain EV Station Infrastructure sites.

PennDOT announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Round 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Grant program. The application period will open on Feb. 24 until 5 p.m. April 6.

Yassmin Gramian –

“The NEVI Grant Program provides an opportunity for Pennsylvania to build out our EV charging infrastructure,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We’ve created this grant program with considerations of equity in mind, with scoring to ensure local workforce and diversity in partnerships.”

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in federal formula funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next five years.

For the Round 1 funding, PennDOT has advanced appropriations of $25.4 million for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 and $36.5 million for FFY 2023.

Funds can be used for labor and workforce training, planning, outreach, and program management as allowed by NEVI guidelines. Approximately $56 million is anticipated to be available.

The PA NEVI grant program is a reimbursement grant program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, PennDOT said.

Most entities are eligible to receive NEVI funds; however, PennDOT anticipates most applicants will be public-sector entities, incorporated nonprofit entities, and corporations or business entities registered to do business in Pennsylvania.

The NEVI grant funding supports the commonwealth and federal goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated alternate fuel corridors (AFC), of which Pennsylvania has over 1,800 miles.

Per the guidance from U.S. DOT, NEVI formula funds must first be used to “build out” designated roadways (no more than 50 miles between stations and less than 1 mile from an exit) and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements.

PennDOT has created an interactive map identifying existing AFC-qualifying stations and has grouped interchanges based on priority. In addition, PennDOT’s NOFO includes instructions and information on the grant program, eligibility, scoring criteria, submission process and instructions.

Interested parties can view the NOFO on PennDOT’s website. All applications must be submitted electronically through PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s eGrant system.

HNTB chosen to lead state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure project

HNTB’s Pennsylvania office in Allentown will develop and implement the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

HNTB will assist PennDOT in developing and executing a statewide electric vehicle charging network for both local and long-distance trips, resulting in broader adoption of electric vehicles.

PennDOT will receive $171.5 million in federal formula funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation over the next five years to implement their NEVI program.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to assist PennDOT in rolling out this visionary program,” said Greg May, HNTB’s Pennsylvania office leader. “Successful implementation will further elevate PennDOT to leadership status in the electric vehicle space.”

HNTB has partnered with several other departments of transportation across the U.S., including those in Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, to assist in developing plans for electric vehicle infrastructure.

“The approval from federal transportation officials of these states’ long-term plans highlights the power of collaboration and information sharing,” said Katie Zehnder, HNTB technical lead. “Given the changing dynamics and requirements around electric vehicle infrastructure, the ability to partner with multiple agencies and sharing information and best practices is helping these agencies deliver on the promise of enhanced and innovative mobility solutions through electrification.”

PennDOT to distribute $171.5 million in funding for electric vehicle charging

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will receive and distribute $171.5 million in formula funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next five years as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Funding for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) in the first federal fiscal year is $25,4 million, and grantees will be required to provide a minimum 20 percent match.

Resources are available to help businesses and organizations to prepare in advance of the NEVI Notice of Funding Opportunity, PennDOT announced. The funding opportunity is expected to be announced in late December 2022 or early January 2023.

PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said the NEVI program will help Pennsylvania build out its EV charging infrastructure.

“As this is a new program for Pennsylvania and the nation at large,” said Gramian, “we want to give our partners and businesses as much opportunity as possible to prepare for application submission to support our efforts of transparency and equity.”

Information regarding applicant eligibility, eligible projects, and costs both eligible and ineligible is included in the NEVI Grant pre-announcement resources. An interactive map identifying existing AFC-qualifying stations and grouped interchanges based on priority through a gap analysis has also been created by PennDOT. Businesses and organizations seeking recommendations on preparing for the grant opening can review the “How to Get Ready” section on PennDOT’s website.

An informational webinar on the 2022 NEVI Grant Program will be hosted by PennDOT on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, from 10 AM to noon. Aimed at audiences interested in applying for the NEVI grant program, the webinar will provide information on eligibility, types of projects funded, how to apply, eligible and non-eligible costs, and application best practices.

NEVI stakeholder sessions featuring an opportunity to expand professional connections and partnership are being held across the state. Individuals interested in the sessions can register on PennDOT’s “Learn About NEVI” webpage.

As Pennsylvania has more than 1,800 miles of designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC), NEVI grant funding will support both the commonwealth and federal goal of expanding EV charging along AFCs and interstate lookalikes. NEVI formula funds must first be used to build out AFCs and meet U.S. DOT standards and requirements, per guidance from U.S. DOT.

Pennsylvania’s traveler information system – 511PA – includes EV charging station locations on its traffic map. This system is designed to enhance traveler information for EV drivers and lists locations across the commonwealth by connector type, including CCS, J1722, CHAdeMO, Tesla, and NEMA.

Individuals interested in additional information on NEVI funds in Pennsylvania or reviewing PennDOT’s announcement resources can visit the PennDOT website at penndot.pa.gov.

PennDOT to hold conference on contracting opportunities

PennDOT will host a one-day conference, Pathways to PennDOT on Oct. 18 to connect small, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) with potential contracting opportunities at the department.

Yassmin Gramian

The conference will be held at the Best Western Premier Hotel and Conference Center Union Deposit at 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg. Registration is free.

“Small and diverse business are central to our communities, and our economy,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I’m thrilled to host this conference and to help facilitate connecting these critical businesses to opportunities with PennDOT.”

The conference, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is open to DBE firms, primes, contractors and industry leaders, and will cover such topics as DBE certification, the PennDOT prequalification process, branding strategies, and a panel discussion on best practices from current DBE’s, among other sessions.

Firms can also learn how to participate in PennDOT’s Mentor-Protégé program, which connects DBEs with prime contractors to gain and expand experience in the industry.

To learn more about Pathways to PennDOT or to register for the conference, visit PennDOT’s website. Pre-registration closes on Oct. 7.

PennDOT accepting applications for multimodal transportation project funding

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting applications to fund transportation improvement projects under the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF).

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 14.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, council of governments, business/non-profit organizations, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, public airports, airport authorities, and ports and rail entities.

“Transportation needs to work for everyone,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “The MTF helps support projects that keep people safe and connected, no matter who they are or how they travel.”

Projects that will be considered should coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities; improve streetscape, lighting, sidewalk facilities, and pedestrian safety; improve connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets; or advance transit-oriented-development.

Projects are selected based on safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.

In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, 56 projects were awarded $47.8 million in MTF funding throughout 28 counties, including the replacement of Green Mountain Drive Bridge, which was the subject of significant structural concern in Smithfield Township, Monroe County;

PennDOT expects to announce grant recipients next year, and funding will become available in July 2023.

For more information about the program and previous years’ applications and awards, visit www.penndot.pa.gov and click on “Multimodal Program” under the “Projects & Programs” menu.

Could passenger rail service return to the Lehigh Valley

Could passenger rail service return to the Lehigh Valley? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is continuing its efforts to find out.

PennDOT has announced that it is funding a study to determine what it would take to bring passenger rail travel back to the Lehigh Valley.

The announcement comes as the $1.2 trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocates $66 billion into improving and enhancing passenger rail service nationwide.

It’s not, of course, the first time the Lehigh Valley has studied the passenger rail issue.

Back in 2010, Lehigh and Northampton counties and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. funded an analysis of what it would take to create a “Pennsylvania Component” of New Jersey Transit’s Raritan Valley line from central New Jersey.

The report found that it would cost $650-$710 million in infrastructure costs and would need ongoing annual subsidies of about $11.6 million.

However, unlike that 2010 study, this new study will meet Federal Railroad Administration standards, a step necessary for the consideration of adding new routes to the system.

Speaking at a meeting of the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study, PennDOT Deputy Secretary Jennie A. Louwerse said the comprehensive study would determine the costs, ridership potential and ongoing expenses that would come from creating a passenger rail connection that would help riders travel beyond the Lehigh Valley region.

“The great thing about the Infrastructure Law is that it allows us to take a look at what it takes to reinstate [passenger rail] service,” Louwerse said to the LVTS. “…I believe this study will provide a solid foundation for the Lehigh Valley to know what do we need to do to make this happen.”

Louwerse said the study would likely start in the next two months and take about a year. .

It was estimated that building a Lehigh Valley rail extension would take at least a decade.

Pennsylvania currently has passenger rail provided by SEPTA, the Port Authority of Allegheny County and Amtrak, which runs a Pennsylvania line that stretches from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and a Keystone Service line running from Harrisburg to Philadelphia. Both of those Amtrak routes continue to New York City.

Berks County to see road and bridge safety upgrades starting next year

The Reading Area Transportation Study Coordinating Committee approved a plan that will bring improvements to roads and bridges and transportation upgrades through the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program.

The plan includes projects valued at a total of $241 million-plus for the highway system and bridges, and 26 projects valued at nearly $62 million for the transit system.

“Basically, this is a capital budget where projects are in different stages over a four-year period,” Alan Piper, Berks County transportation planner said. “Some are intended to start in 2023 and 2024 and others are farther out.”

The 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program, or TIP, includes 105 projects in all. The projects, he said, are awarded by PennDOT. “We are a metro planning organization required to work with PennDOT to develop the plan based on projections with real dollars,” he said.

The Reading Area Transportation Study Coordinating Committee is composed of elected municipal and county officials and representatives of the Berks County Planning Commission. It unanimously approved the plan covering fiscal years 2023 through 2026 at its July 14 meeting.

Motorists can expect to see Route 222 widened to four lanes between Schaeffer Road in Maidencreek Township to the Kutztown Bypass in Richmond Township. That project, costing $70 million, includes installing roundabouts at the intersections with Pleasant Hill Road and Richmond Road.

That work is between recently completed roundabouts on Route 222, he said.

Work on Route 61 will also start, connecting to the current Route 222 project that is expected to be completed by year’s end.

Also, about $7.3 million was budgeted for the next two years for a long-delayed PennDOT project to put a roundabout on Route 222 at Long Lane in Maxatawny Township, Piper said. That project is expected to go out for bid early next year and start next summer or later.

“Our goal is to have Route 222 to be four lanes all the way,” he said. However, work from the Kutztown Bypass to the current work at Route 863 at the Lehigh County line is several years away.

The area from Long Lane to the end of the Kutztown Bypass is seeing a lot of proposals for warehouses, Piper said, and PennDOT will be able to require improvements to the roads by the developers. “That would help a lot and then we would have to go the rest of the way to the county line,” he said.

Also on tap is reconstruction of the Route 422 Bypass around Reading. Piper said that $650 million project is expensive but the funding for the first phase is secured. That project is expected to start in 2026 or 2027.

In the very near future, work will start in the Reading urban areas to address safety by resurfacing several roads and fixing bridges throughout the area, he said.

A full list of projects included in the plan can be found on the Berks County Planning Commission’s website.

PennDOT offers grants for railroad operations

Brian Pedersen

PennDOT has opened the application period for grants under the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).

“Pennsylvania’s rail freight network is critical – it keeps goods moving and supports the economy,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “We’re proud of our commitment to supporting the business community and keeping rail lines safe.”

Pennsylvania ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, with 65, and ranks near the top in total track mileage, with more than 5,600 miles, he said.

In the 2021 grant period, PennDOT awarded $33 million for 25 rail freight projects. PennDOT manages two grant programs: RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds; and RFAP, which is underwritten through the Multimodal Fund, created by Act 89.

Applications are now available on the application website and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.

Program information can be found on the PennDOT website and application questions should be directed to Steve Panko at [email protected] or 717-787-1202.

Public input sought on plans to toll I-78 Lenhartsville bridge

Should the I-78 bridge in Lenhartsville be tolled?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its plans to replace the Lenhartsville Bridge, including the option of adding tolling to the bridge to help pay for its reconstruction.

The I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project is a candidate for bridge tolling through the Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (MBP3) Initiative, as part of the PennDOT Pathways Program. The Pathways program seeks to identify potential alternative funding solutions for transportation in the state.

Under the initiative, tolls collected would be used for the replacement bridges’ construction, maintenance and operation.

Because of the community input PennDOT has already received, as well as continued project analysis, PennDOT said that it is only looking to pursue westbound tolling at this bridge.

The in-person Public Hearing will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 19 at the Kempton Community Center at 83 Community Center Dr.

An open house display on the project will begin at 3:30 p.m. with public testimony starting at 4:30 p.m. All materials that will be presented during the open house, including a project overview, maps, low-income tolling details, diversion route improvements and EA documents, will be available online from May 4 to June 3, 2022.

The I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge, which crosses Maiden Creek in Greenwich Township, is aging and does not meet current design standards according to PennDOT.

The proposed project involves replacing the existing bridge to address the poor structural condition, and to widen it to accommodate acceleration and deceleration lanes and full inside and outside shoulders in each direction.

Two Lehigh Valley projects are among 56 across state to be completed with state funding

Governor Tom Wolf today said $47.8 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund will be used to fix 56 highway, bridge, transit, and bike and pedestrian projects in 28 counties, including two in Lehigh Valley.

Gov. Tom Wolf announces infrastructure projects financed through Multimodal Transportation Fund. FILE PHOTO

“Transportation is critical to connecting communities and economies, and we are an important partner in bringing progress across the state,” Wolf said. “These investments will improve overall mobility and safety while bolstering commercial projects.”

Reflecting PennDOT’s commitment to improving locally owned infrastructure, several of the projects will also help local governments address bridges and roadways in need of repair or replacement.

“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.

In Lehigh Valley:

Carbon County: Phase III Environmental, LLC – $2.4 million to construct a right-in/right-out intersection along Route 248 and a lighted intersection along Delaware Avenue at the future Palmerton Business Park in Palmerton.

Lehigh County: Borough of Macungie – $863,666 to replace the closed Hickory Street bridge to restore a local road connection that serves as an alternate to Route 100; reconstruct South Church Street to the Main Street signal; and install sharrows on Hickory and Church Streets.

PennDOT anticipates accepting Multimodal Transportation Fund applications in fall 2022 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 funding. For more information about the program, visit www.penndot.pa.gov and click on Multimodal Program under the “Projects & Programs” button.

Gov. Tom Wolf and Sen. Bob Casey highlight Lehigh Valley projects that benefit from Bipartisan Infrastructure law

Gov. Tom Wolf PHOTO/PROVIDED –

Gov. Tom Wolf and Sen. Bob Casey highlighted projects slated for Lehigh Valley because of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure law (BIL) today.

Wolf and Casey highlighted projects that will go out for bid and discussed the benefits coming to regional roads and bridges during an event that was held near the Interstate 78 interchange with Route 61 which is currently being reconstructed under a $125.6 million contract.

“Pennsylvania is greatly benefitting from the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure law,” said Wolf. “We are fortunate to have this funding which is being used to address additional infrastructure needs.”

“We have many meaningful projects that will modernize our infrastructure while creating sustainable, good-paying jobs that will be transformative for our transportation system and our local economies.” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula.

Sen. Bob Casey – Getty Images –

“Thanks to the infrastructure law we are beginning to rebuild our roads, bridges and more vital infrastructure across Pennsylvania, and we are jumpstarting projects that have been put on hold,” Casey said.

“Interstate 78 exchange project and others throughout Berks County and the region will make it easier and safer for Pennsylvanians to travel and commute,” he said. “These construction projects will also create good-paying jobs. We are making progress to rebuild our infrastructure and I will continue to work in Congress to bring infrastructure investments to the Commonwealth.”

The total value of projects under construction this year in PennDOT District 5 covering Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties is approximately $500 million. Overall highlights in the district’s 2022 construction season include:

approximately 116 miles of paving
approximately 31 bridges will be repaired or replaced
approximately 265 miles of roadway will be seal coated

These improvements include projects supported and accelerated by the BIL. In 2022 alone the BIL is bringing at least $50.8 million in additional funding to the District 5 region to be allocated by the department and its local Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organization (MPO/RPO) partners:

Reading Area Transportation Study will receive at least $18.4 million more
Lehigh Valley Transportation Study will receive at least $20.3 million more
Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance will receive at least $12.1 million more

“The BIL will advance multiple projects that may have otherwise been delayed,” said District 5 Executive Michael W. Rebert. “This funding is essential to move these projects forward.”

Notable ongoing projects that will continue this year include:

Project to improve I-78 including patching, milling, paving and bridge preservation in Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties, $23.3 million
Reconstructing I-78 between Exit 35 (Route 143/Lenhartsville) and Lehigh County line in Greenwich Township, Berks County, $168.3 million
Reconstruction and widening on I-78, including rehabilitating the bridge over the Schuylkill River and upgrading the Route 61 interchange, in Tilden Township and Hamburg Borough, Berks County, $125.6 million
Intersection improvements on U.S. 222 in Maidencreek Township, Berks County, $26.7 million

Reconstructing and widening of Route 443 in Lehighton Borough and Mahoning Township, Carbon County, $21.2 million

Repairing and resurfacing U.S. 22 in South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships, Lehigh County, $17.3 million
Installing a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 222, Route 863 and Schantz Road in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, $14.2 million
Milling and paving Route 248 in East Allen Township, Lower Nazareth Township, Upper Nazareth Township, Bath Borough, and Nazareth Borough, Northampton County, $3.4 million
Traffic signal improvements on Route 512 in Bath Borough, Northampton County, $1.2 million
Milling and paving on U.S. 22 in Bethlehem Township, Palmer Township and Wilson Borough and Route 33 in Bethlehem Township and Palmer Township, Northampton County, $13.6 million

Notable projects that are expected to begin this year include:

Resurface Route 562 between Business Route 422/Perkiomen Avenue and Shelbourne Road in St. Lawrence Borough and Exeter Township, Berks County, $1.4 million-$1.6 million (est.)
Resurface Old Route 22 between the Bethel Township line and St. Michaels Road in Upper Tulpehocken, Upper Bern, and Tilden Townships, Berks County, $3.1 million – $3.4 million (est.)
Resurfacing Route 737 between Zettlemoyer and Eagle Point roads in Greenwich and Maxatawny townships, Berks County, $2.3 million-$2.5 million (est.)
Resurfacing Route 903/North Street between Front and Center streets in Jim Thorpe Borough, Carbon County, $1 million-$1.2 million (est.)

Resurfacing Route 29/Cedar Crest Boulevard from Chestnut Street to Briarwood Lane in Emmaus Borough and Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, $2 million-$3 million (est.)
Replacing Route 329 “Cementon” Bridge over the Lehigh River in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County and Northampton Borough, Northampton County, $13 million-$15 million (est.)
Resurfacing Route 873 from Route 309 to Iron Alley in Slatington Borough, North Whitehall and Washington townships, Lehigh County, $3 million-$4 million (est.)
Resurfacing Route 33 between the Northampton County line and Lower Cherry Valley Road in Hamilton and Ross townships, Monroe County, $5.9 million-$6.2 million (est.)

As construction projects are underway in the region, the traveling public can anticipate seeing many work zones and are urged to keep in mind their safety and the safety of highway workers, PennDOT said.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

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PennDOT to begin accepting applications for electric vehicle infrastructure grants

PennDOT to distribute $171.5 million in funding for electric vehicle charging

PennDOT accepting applications for multimodal transportation project funding

Could passenger rail service return to the Lehigh Valley

Public input sought on plans to toll I-78 Lenhartsville bridge