Contact:
Matt Bach
Michigan Municipal League
[email protected], 734.669.6317
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2023
Toolkit will support applications for the federal government’s Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program to deploy publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Office of Mobility & Electrification (OFME) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) today have announced a partnership to create the State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit, an online resource hub for local governments to prepare for the future of electric vehicle (EV) deployment and adoption. The toolkit is built upon the success of the Electric Vehicle Resource Kit and Planning Hub, which already exists as a resource for communities, organizations and stakeholder groups in Southeast Michigan to learn more about the latest developments regarding EVs and EV infrastructure.
“This initiative compliments and supports our state’s continued efforts to educate communities and provide a streamlined information resource on EVs and electrification,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Along with the MI Future Mobility Plan and MI Healthy Climate Plan, this resource will play a critical role in Michigan setting a global rollout for the successful transition to a sustainable, healthy future of mobility.”
The State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit will assist local governments across the state of Michigan as they prepare for electrification and e-mobility by providing a standardized guide for how municipalities can best adapt and implement policies and administrative functions for EV supply equipment (EVSE) and EV charging infrastructure. The toolkit will include model local laws and best practices, and provide information about potential partnerships, funding opportunities, as well as general information about EVs and EVSE.
“To begin planning for the future of EVs and e-mobility, communities must first understand the needs of EV owners and where they will live, work and charge,” said Kathryn Snorrason, interim chief mobility officer for the State of Michigan. “This resource will provide a comprehensive platform that provides timely information and insights to local governments, community leaders and residents as they consider EV adoption and deploy EV infrastructure.”
The toolkit will highlight the recently announced federal government’s Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program), a new competitive grant program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, and along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas vehicles. The deadline for Round 1 applications is May 30, 2023. Local units of government and other eligible applicants to the CFI program are encouraged to fill out this brief survey for state support.
“SEMCOG is pleased to have partnered with the OFME in developing and launching the State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit,” said Amy O’Leary, executive director of SEMCOG. “SEMCOG’s EV Resource Kit and Planning Hub has helped Southeast Michigan prepare for EV infrastructure. Launching this resource statewide will ensure that communities across Michigan have the tools and guidance to secure federal funding and proactively plan for electrification and future mobility needs.”
The Michigan Municipal League will partner with OFME and SEMCOG to help generate awareness for the toolkit and the federal funding opportunities available to communities across the state.
“Local municipalities will play a critical role in filling the gaps to create a connected, cohesive environment in which EVs and e-mobility solutions can thrive,” said Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO of the Michigan Municipal League. “We are thankful for the collaboration between the Executive Officer of the Governor, OFME and SEMCOG to help ensure the future of EVs will be accessible to communities of all shapes and sizes.”
The State of Michigan’s Community EV Toolkit can be accessed here.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
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