MPO endorses push to nominate Route 6 as EV corridor and eyes National Scenic Byways grant for Old Kings Highway

Cape Cod Commission staff told the MPO they have been coordinating with MassDOT to nominate Route 6 as a Federal Highway Administration alternative fuel corridor for electric vehicle charging, a designation that can prioritize federal investments along the route.

Steve Tupper said the corridor program historically focused on interstates but has been expanded to include the national highway system, opening an opportunity for the Cape. "We have been communicating with MassDOT about the potential for nomination to Federal Highway Administration of Route 6 as an alternative fuel corridor for EV charging," Tupper said. He noted Provincetown provided an early support letter and that a small portion of the route in Provincetown is municipally owned while the remainder is under MassDOT jurisdiction. Tupper emphasized that MassDOT must submit the nomination and FHWA will determine acceptance.

Staff also briefed the MPO on a potential application to the National Scenic Byways grant program for the Old Kings Highway corridor, which was designated last year. The draft application would update a cultural resource inventory to Massachusetts Historical Commission standards and develop an online visitor information application to help people explore the corridor by modes other than driving. The application process requires a letter of intent now, with the full application due June 20.

No vote was required on either matter at this meeting; staff said both efforts are time‑sensitive and that they will bring formal proposals or grant applications back to the MPO for review as they develop.