On Feb. 22, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) awarded the Town of Indian Trail funding for two solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Town was one of only 12 jurisdictions to receive funding to support transportation-related needs in the greater Charlotte area.
The Town was awarded $163,489 for the solar-powered EV charging stations, which covers 80 percent of the project cost. The Town is responsible for the remaining 20 percent, or approximately $33,000. The chargers will be installed at either Crooked Creek Park or Chestnut Square Park.
The Town submitted a proposal for the CRTPO funding last fall. Over the past two years, CRTPO has awarded Indian Trail more than $600,000 to install EV charging stations at the Town’s parks. Last year, the Town received $468,000 from CRTPO to help cover the installation of at least two charging stations at each park, plus the infrastructure to add more charging stations in the future. The Type II chargers the Town plans to use can fully charge a vehicle from an empty battery in approximately three to five hours.
Work to install all the charging stations at the parks will begin at the end of this year. Once the EV chargers are installed at the parks and the generator is operational at the Town Hall, Indian Trail will have EV chargers at all Town-owned facilities. The EV charger at the Indian Trail Division of the Union County Sheriff’s Office is already functional.
“While we are seeing an increase in the number of electric vehicles on the roads, there are still a limited number of public charging stations, especially in Union County,” said Adam McLamb, director of public works. “The funding from CRTPO allows us to provide another amenity for our residents and those visiting our community to see family and friends or attend events or athletic tournaments.”
About the Funding
CRTPO receives direct attributable funds, also known as discretionary funds or grants, to be allocated to member jurisdictions on a competitive basis. Project selection is guided by the CRTPO Board-approved Discretionary Fund Policy Guide, which prioritizes regional projects that will utilize federal funds.