The Legislature finds all of the following:
(a) That consistent with the constitutional mandate that navigable waterways are public highways, the Legislature hereby finds as a fact that a portion of the gasoline and diesel fuel sold in this state is used for marine purposes to propel vessels on coastal and inland waterways of this state.
(b) That it is the policy of this state to use a portion of the funds derived from the additional excise tax levied by the Rebuild Alabama Act on each net gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel for the programs and activities of the Alabama State Port Authority.
(c) That the development and growth of electric vehicle transportation infrastructure are considerations in the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of a modern-day public road, highway, and bridge system in this state.
(d) That the State Department of Transportation is the appropriate agency to initiate the comprehensive planning and administrative duties associated with the development of electric vehicle transportation infrastructure as a part of its regular duties.
(e) That the development of electric vehicle transportation infrastructure is a cost of construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of public roads, highways, and bridges in this state and that the moneys of the Rebuild Alabama Fund may be lawfully used for such purpose.
(f) It is the intention of the Legislature to authorize the creation of, and to hereby create, the Electric Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program as a program of the State Department of Transportation for the purpose of providing grants, funds, and support for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of the public roads, highways, and bridges in this state through the procurement, installation, and implementation of electric vehicle transportation infrastructure.
Last modified: May 3, 2021