FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced that the state is seeking proposals from private-sector organizations interested in helping Kentucky expand its electric vehicle charging network.

The governor shared the announcement in his weekly press conference, saying that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued a final Request for Proprosals to build up to 37 stations along Kentucky interstates and parkways after receiving approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

“Kentucky is the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States of America, and we are leading the industry expansion by growing jobs and building out the supply chain,” Beshear said.

The Democratic governor said the move will “cement Kentucky’s status in the EV revolution by creating new infrastructure that encourages EV travel throughout the commonwealth.”

Most of the funding for the initiative will come from federal funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with a match by private-entity funds.

Proposals will be due in August.

The initiative encourages proposals from private-sector entities. Selected parties will be responsible for constructing, owning, operating and maintaining new EV charging stations across the state.

The KYTC is responsible for overseeing the program and administering nearly $70 million in federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds. The goal of the program is to fund up to 37 EV charging stations through this initiative and future efforts that will build the network on Kentucky’s 11 interstates and eight parkways.

The EV stations must be open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week and power any electric vehicle model.

Firms selected to develop one or more sites within the statewide network will be required by contract to operate and maintain the stations during the five-year funding period.