Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation has closed the current Request for Proposals for the Arkansas Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Program in response to a recent notification from the United States Department of Transportation.
On Thursday, February 6, the U.S. DOT’s Federal Highway Administration issued a letter informing State Departments of Transportation that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Guidance has been rescinded. Consequently, all State EVID Plans, including those in Arkansas, have been suspended.
This update is part of the FHWA’s efforts to revise the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to better align with current U.S. DOT policy and priorities, as outlined in DOT Order 2100.7, which emphasizes the importance of sound economic analysis in the development of policies, programs, and activities.
The FHWA plans to release updated draft guidance for public comment in the spring of 2025. Following the public comment period, the FHWA will publish the final version of the guidance, which will incorporate feedback from stakeholders.
As a result of the rescission, ARDOT has been instructed to close the existing RFP. Additionally, no new federal funding obligations will be allowed under the NEVI Formula Program at this time.
This means that the 19 projects awarded funding in 2024 will not proceed with agreement execution due to these changes.
ARDOT has stated that it will reevaluate the NEVI program once the updated guidance is published by the FHWA.