Gov. Kay Ivey presented $2.45 million in awards to 18 utilities and cities for electric vehicle charging stations.
The stations will be located along busy highways away from interstates, except for a six-bay charging station on Interstate 22 in Guin — the first set of chargers along that interstate.
“As many of Alabama’s automobile manufacturers gear production toward electric vehicles, Alabama must be ready to provide the charging infrastructure needed for those who choose to drive these vehicles,” said Ivey.
Private companies, utilities and government entities were eligible to receive the grants. The funds came from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administering the grants. According to the release from ADECA, there will be more federal funds awarded in the future to develop EV charging infrastructure along Alabama’s interstates.
“These grants are part of a plan to ensure that electric vehicle charging stations are located throughout the state — not just on interstates with upcoming federal funds, but also on or near secondary roads in heavily traveled areas of the state,” said Kenneth Boswell, ADECA director.
The following entities were awarded funds for two-bay stations: Scottsboro Electric Power Board – $57,968; Hartselle Utilities – $54,963; the Electric Board of Guntersville – $53,906; the Municipal Utilities Board of Decatur – $53,800; the city of Helena – $33,740; the city of LaFayette – $119,000; Junior Food Stores of West Florida Inc. – $216,335; the city of Fairhope – $148,626; Heer Properties – $201,259; Home Oil Co. Inc. – $200,587; and the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance – $198,267.
The following entities were awarded funds for chargers that number three, four or six stations: Francis Energy LLC – $407,990; the Montgomery Airport Authority – $250,000; and the city of Geneva – $33,840.
Allen Oil Co. of Sylacauga Inc. was awarded two grants for two-bay charging stations located on U.S. Highway 280, one in the amount of $198,190 and the other in the amount of $200,008. The city of Phenix City also received two awards, both for four-bay charging stations to be placed on Fifth Street South and on 14th Street. The awards were in the amounts of $15,448 and $14,121.
