MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont transportation officials on Thursday announced that the Trump administration has released $15.8 million intended for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure in the state.
Federal officials in January froze upwards of $21 million in promised funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. A federal judge in June overruled the Trump administration’s action, but ruled three states — including Vermont — didn’t show enough evidence of harm.
State transportation officials say the money was released last month after they resubmitted plans.
“Concern and speculation in February upon the news of the NEVI pause was understandable, however all along FHWA and USDOT told us they would issue revised guidance around the funding, and they have done so,” Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said in a statement. “Receiving this news will allow advancement of EV charging infrastructure installation contracts for 11 new EV Fast Charging sites across Vermont.”
Vermont’s first NEVI charging station opened in Bradford last spring. Other planned locations include on interstates and state highways in Randolph, Wilmington, Rutland, St. Albans, Bennington, Middlebury, White River Junction, Brattleboro, Berlin, Manchester and South Burlington.
