Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 

The Kansas EV Charging Infrastructure Funding opportunity is administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation through its Bureau of Multimodal Transportation Programs. The initiative is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which is federally funded but implemented at the state level to expand electric vehicle charging networks along designated corridors. The program, known locally as Charge Up Kansas, is designed to support the deployment of reliable and accessible EV charging infrastructure that aligns with federal corridor requirements and state transportation priorities. The Department has indicated that this funding round will follow prior program structures while incorporating updates based on stakeholder feedback and evolving federal guidance. The primary purpose of this funding is to support the installation of direct current fast charging stations and associated infrastructure along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors within Kansas. Eligible projects must include all necessary components to ensure functionality, including charging equipment, utility connections, and supporting electrical infrastructure. The program emphasizes the creation of a comprehensive and user-friendly charging network, prioritizing accessibility, reliability, and convenience for EV users. Additional requirements include compliance with federal standards under 23 CFR Part 680, ensuring that all funded projects meet national performance and interoperability expectations. Funding is structured through a federal-state partnership model, where the federal government provides 80 percent of project costs and applicants are required to contribute a 20 percent local cash match. Projects must demonstrate readiness and feasibility, including partnerships among site hosts, developers, equipment vendors, installers, and utilities. Applicants are expected to provide documentation such as utility service agreements and site host commitments. Construction bonding is required at 100 percent during the build phase, with a reduced bonding requirement maintained through a five-year operations and maintenance period. Eligibility for participation includes a broad range of entities such as cities, counties, tribes, nonprofit organizations, private companies, utilities, and educational institutions. Collaborative applications are encouraged, reflecting the complex nature of EV infrastructure deployment. Projects must be located within five miles of specified corridor segments or targeted areas identified by the Department, including major interstate and highway routes such as I-70, I-35, and U.S. 400. Site requirements also include amenities such as lighting, visibility, connectivity, restrooms, food access, and shelter, reflecting user preferences gathered through statewide surveys. The application process is structured as a two-step procedure. Interested parties must first submit a Project Interest Form in response to the Request for Interest. Only those who complete this step by the specified deadline will be eligible to receive and respond to the subsequent Request for Proposals. The Project Interest Form must be submitted electronically through the designated online portal. The Request for Proposals is anticipated to be released shortly after the interest phase concludes, with detailed submission requirements and evaluation criteria provided at that time. Evaluation of proposals will be based on responsiveness to program requirements, with awards granted to the lowest responsive bidder within each target area. The Department retains discretion to decline awards for any location if proposals do not meet standards. The timeline for this funding cycle includes the opening of the Request for Interest in April, a submission deadline in mid-May, and an anticipated Request for Proposals release in June. Final award announcements and project timelines will depend on proposal quality and federal funding conditions. Applicants are encouraged to monitor program updates and prepare required documentation in advance to ensure readiness for the full application phase.

Ensure strong partnerships with utilities and site hosts; prioritize locations meeting amenity requirements; ensure full compliance with corridor and federal standards