Downriver Today

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) has announced that the state submitted seven nominations for new alternative fuel corridors (AFC), enhancing its electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“Today’s AFC nominations will help Michigan continue leading the future of mobility and electrification by making our roads and bridges more accessible to electric vehicles,” said Whitmer in a news release. “The corridors will complement our ongoing efforts to fix our transportation infrastructure, install electric vehicle chargers, and create tens of thousands of good-paying auto jobs. We will keep getting things done to keep Michiganders safe on the road, rebuild our roads and bridges, and grow our economy.”

The release announced that the state would utilize funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

"MDOT is eager for this next step of not only fixing the roads but also making them more accessible to the growing electric vehicle market," said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. "MDOT fully supports the governor's continued push to make Michigan the leader in electric and connected mobility. Not only will this expand and improve Michigan's economy, but it will also improve safety, which is always our top concern."

According to the governor’s office, the seven nominations will not only enhance the driving experience for EV motorists but will also create jobs in the process.

“We are excited to do our part to make Michigan’s roads more EV-friendly as a higher adoption of electric vehicles becomes more and more prevalent,” said Chief Infrastructure Officer and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office Zachary Kolodin. “This is an essential part of our future, and these nominations that have been submitted for the new AFCs are just another step we’re taking to make sure Michigan remains at the forefront of the mobility industry.”

The seven nominations are: U.S. 31 from Manistee north/northeast to U.S. 131; U.S. 131 from Petoskey north to Mackinac Bridge; U.S. 2 from Mackinac Bridge west to Wisconsin; U.S. 127 from Roscommon south to Jackson; Interstate 275 from Interstate 696 south to Interstate 75; Interstate 696 from Interstate 94 in Macomb County west to Interstate 275; and extending the current Interstate 94 AFC from Detroit to the Blue Water Bridge, according to the release.