ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY
AEA and DOT&PF Announce First Round of Alaska NEVI Funding

On September 25th, 2023, at the Alaska Infrastructure Development Symposium, the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) announced their first round of awards for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. AEA and DOT&PF selected projects in nine Alaskan communities for a total investment of $8 million in this round. The $6.4 million in NEVI funding will be matched with $1.6 million from private entities selected to install, own, and operate the new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The first-of-its-kind NEVI funding is a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides funding to states to deploy EV charging infrastructure along public roads to establish an interconnected network across the state and nation. For fiscal years 2022-2027, Alaska will receive over $52 million.

"We are thrilled to be among the first six states in the nation to issue these NEVI awards," said AEA Executive Director Curtis W. Thayer. "AEA is committed to supporting EV adoption with better access to EV charging infrastructure. This investment enables us to provide convenient, reliable, and affordable access to EV charging infrastructure in ways that couldn't be achieved previously."

"Alaskans are leaders in innovation and resiliency," said DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson, P.E. "DOT&PF and AEA are pleased to support our communities' relentless pursuit of affordable and sustainable energy in Alaska."

"In Alaska and across the country, President Biden's Investing in America agenda is building the backbone of our national network of EV charging stations that will ensure a seamless experience for drivers when they're charging up - similar payment systems, clear pricing information, interoperable connector types, and reliable charging speeds as we make the historic transition to electric vehicles," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "With federal investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Alaska is taking a critical step forward as States across our nation begin deploying EV chargers for the communities they serve, and we are proud to partner with them in this shared project."

The initial focus of this funding, Phase One, is to build out Alaska's Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC). AEA will strategically deploy Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) along the designated AFC, between Anchorage and Fairbanks, to help build out the national charging network. Once Alaska's AFC is "fully built out" and meets the Federal Highway Administration's criteria, which could take up to two years, AEA and DOT&PF will use NEVI Formula Program funds to install charging infrastructure along Alaska's Highway (non-AFC) and Marine Highway Systems. The second phase of the program will focus on connecting small urban areas, rural communities on the road system, Alaska's road system to Canada, and coastal communities located on the marine highway system.

First Round of NEVI Awardees (Listed South to North)

About the Alaska Energy Authority
The Alaska Energy Authority is a public corporation of the state. Its mission is to reduce the cost of energy in Alaska. To achieve this mission, AEA strives to diversify Alaska's energy portfolio increasing resiliency, reliability, and redundancy.  To learn more, visit akenergyauthority.org.

About the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 33 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to "Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.