According to a statement from Gov. Andy Beshear's office, the state has successfully argued for the unfreezing of federal dollars appropriated through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, or NEVI, program.
That program had committed $32 million to Kentucky before the Trump administration withheld the funds. The latest announcement says $17.8 million has been restored. Beshear argued early in September that the state's efforts to force the release of promised federal dollars has worked on a number of fronts and he'll continue challenging similar actions by the administration.
"When the federal government gives us their word, I'm going to make them keep it," Beshear said. "When Congress passes a law makes an appropriation, when we have a contract with the federal government, I am absolutely going to enforce it."
Kentucky has joined with other states to regain withheld funding for education, public health, AmeriCorps, and a FEMA program meant to help states build more weather resilient housing.
With the release of the NEVI funds, the state can restart work expanding EV infrastructure along major corridors, in communities, and at destination sites across the state.