AASHTO Journal - NYSDOT Issues $80M in Zero Emission Vehicle Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul (D) recently issued nearly $80 million in state funding to help seven transit providers expand their use of zero-emission vehicles or ZEVs under the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition program or ZETT, which is managed by the New York State Department of Transportation.

[Above photo by the MTA]

“New York’s push to transition public transit agencies to zero-emission fleets is a crucial step in achieving our clean energy goals,” the governor said in the statement. “Increasing the number of zero-emission transit vehicles in every corner of our state will deliver cleaner air and healthier communities across New York.”

She added that non-Metropolitan Transit Authority entities were encouraged to apply for funding to support the acquisition of zero-emission transit vehicles, construction of facilities and utility infrastructure for charging and fueling, and necessary planning and design phases for zero-emission capital projects.

Marie Therese Dominguez, NYSDOT’s commissioner, noted that the ZETT program offers local state transit agencies – especially those outside of the New York City – a “unique opportunity” to invest in climate-friendly vehicles for their respective fleets, which will help improve the health of local communities while reducing the state’s carbon footprint.

“[We] continue to make targeted, smart investments in zero emission transit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and NYSDOT’s ZETT program is focused on providing clean transportation alternatives for areas across the Empire State,” she said.

Other state departments of transportation also continue to fund electric vehicle support efforts.

For example, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade, operate, and maintain 34 electric vehicle charging stations along several interstate and state highways across Arizona.

Those bids represent the second phase in a network of rapid-charging stations, following an initial round of charger locations approved in August 2024 for 18 stations along five interstates.

Arizona DOT said in a statement that its effort to build out a statewide EV charging network is fueled by $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure or NEVI program; funding that will help construct up to as many as 74 charging stations statewide. All stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funds covering up to 80 percent and the private developer covering a minimum of 20 percent of eligible project costs.