The South Central Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening was the third in a series of regional Convenings sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration. The Convening was held in Arlington, Texas on April 9, 2019 with more than 60 stakeholders participating. The Convening focused on advancing regional coordination to expand the network of nationally-designated alternative fuel corridors. Participants included representatives from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
The South Central Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening took place on April 9, 2019 in Arlington, Texas.
Convening Agenda and Summary Report
South Central Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening Agenda and Summary Report
The South Central Alternative Fuel Corridor Convening Summary Report provides a detailed summary of outcomes from the regional Convening in Arlington, Texas in April 2019.
Convening Fact Sheets
Helpful Tools for Alternative Fuel Corridor Planning
An overview of online tools that can assist transportation planners with implementing alternative fuel corridors across the United States.
Funding Opportunities for Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Infrastructure
This fact sheet describes funding opportunities for alternative fuel corridors.
Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Information
Materials developed by Argonne National Laboratory on the processes, opportunities, and challenges associated with recycling electric vehicle batteries.
Background and Considerations for Planning Corridor Charging
A document summarizing the background of electric vehicle charging technologies, as well as key information that stakeholders need to consider when planning corridor charging facilities. Developed by Marcy Rood at the Argonne National Laboratory.
Convening Materials
Host Welcome
North Central Texas Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) leadership and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) lead on alternative fuel corridors provided welcome and introductory remarks on the importance of regional coordination and partnerships to support the development of alternative fuel corridors and a sustainable transportation network.
Diane Turchetta, Transportation Specialist, U.S. Federal Highway Administration
Setting the Stage: Partnership Goals and Objectives
Meeting hosts presented convening objectives to enhance multi-state collaboration, evaluate key barriers, and find solutions to advance alternative fuel corridors in the South Central U.S.
Oana Leahu-Aluas, Associate, Cadmus
Alycia Gilde, Director, Fuels and Infrastructure, CALSTART
South Central Corridor Analysis and Planning Tools
Participants learned the story behind the maps through a presentation on regional alternative fuel corridors, including changes over time since the initial designations. Representatives from Volpe and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) walked through the types of analyses necessary to identify and fill infrastructure gaps along the corridors. The presentation included a demonstration of NREL’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) alternative fueling station locator and corresponding corridor tool.
Mike Scarpino, Transportation Project Engineer, U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center
Stephen Costa, Technical Analyst, U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center
Johanna Levene, Manager, Transportation Data and Tools, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Steve Lommele, Clean Cities Project Leader, Transportation & Hydrogen Systems Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
South Central Alternative Fuel Corridor Initiatives
Partners throughout the region presented on innovative programs currently advancing alternative fuel corridors for electric, propane, and compressed natural gas vehicles. First-hand accounts were given about the partners, technologies, and funding that are making it possible.
Walter B. Council, Transportation Planner III, Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning & Development Commission (Lake Charles MPO)
Michael Conklin, Manager of External Engagement, CenterPoint Energy
Curtis J. Donaldson, General Manager, Propane Business Development, Agility Fuel Solutions
Building Awareness & Leveraging Partnerships: Communicating Availability and Benefits of Alternative Fuels to Enhance Corridors
During this session, partners discussed the strategies, partnerships, and resources required to build awareness on the availability and benefits of alternative fuel corridors. Panelists shared experiences securing stakeholder support for alternative fuel infrastructure along corridors and discussed additional needs such as signage.
Shawn Wilson, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Ann Vail, Executive Director and Clean Cities Coordinator, Louisiana Clean Fuels
Seth Christ, VP Operations, Francis Solar
Lori Pampell Clark, Program Manager and DFW Clean Cities Coordinator, North Central Texas Council of Governments
Filling the Gap: Strategy, Technology, and Partnership for Infrastructure Development
Public and private partners discussed the challenges and best practices for the planning and implementation of alternative fuel corridors. Technology and fuel suppliers, utilities, government and fleets shared perspectives on how to “fill the infrastructure gap.” During this session, FHWA sought feedback on how the Agency can help states meet their corridor goals.
Ashley Duplechien, Manager of Business Development, South Central Region, Trillium/Love’s
Thomas Ashley, Vice President of Policy, Greenlots
Rob Del Core, Managing Director, Hydrogenics USA, Inc.
Randy Boys, Strategy and Technology Manager, Oncor
Emily Conway, Fleet Sustainability Manager, PepsiCo
Funding for Corridors: Federal & State Funds, Volkswagen Settlement and Innovative Financing
Partners evaluated the challenges and opportunities to fund alternative fuel infrastructure projects to expand corridors and vehicles to build out the market. Topics included federal grant programs such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program, state status on Volkswagen (VW) Settlement funds and potential use for infrastructure, the role of utilities in infrastructure costs and development, and approaches to innovative financing.
Barbara Maley, Air Quality Specialist & Transportation Planner, FHWA Texas Division
Patti Springs, Clean Cities Coordinator, Arkansas Clean Cities/Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
Vivian Aucoin, Environmental Scientist Manager, Louisiana DEQ
Faye Swift, DERA Grants & Policy Team Leader, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency