Summary
– Kwik Trip in La Crosse chosen for funding for electric vehicle charging station
– Other Kwik Trip and Road Ranger locations in Wisconsin will also have charging stations
– Over $23 million in federal grants allocated for developing charging infrastructure
– State DOT announces 53 businesses chosen to receive grants out of over 200 applicants
– Businesses must provide at least 20% of project cost through private funding
Article
Sixty-six businesses in Wisconsin are set to receive funding for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, thanks to just over $23 million in federal grants distributed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Among the recipients are a Kwik Trip on La Crosse’s north side, a Kwik Trip in Hixton, and a Road Ranger station east of Tomah. These businesses will be responsible for providing at least 20 percent of the project cost through private funding, with the Kwik Trip in La Crosse receiving $328,000 and the Road Ranger station in Oakdale awarded $972,000 for their EV charging facilities. The announcement was made on Thursday by the state DOT after receiving over 200 applications from businesses across Wisconsin.
The grants are part of an effort to increase the availability of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular as the demand for sustainable transportation options grows. By providing funding for businesses to install charging stations, the state aims to support the transition to electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. With more EV charging facilities available, drivers of electric vehicles will have greater peace of mind knowing that they can easily find a place to recharge their vehicles while on the road. This move is seen as a critical step in encouraging more people to make the switch to electric vehicles and promote cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation.
The selection of businesses to receive the grants was based on a competitive application process, with the chosen businesses meeting the criteria set by the state DOT for the installation of EV charging stations. The Kwik Trip on West George Street in La Crosse, the Kwik Trip in Hixton, and the Road Ranger station in Oakdale were among the 53 businesses selected to receive funding out of the total number of applicants. The businesses chosen will play a crucial role in expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Wisconsin, helping to create a more reliable network of charging stations that can support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
The federal grants provided to these businesses will not only benefit electric vehicle drivers but will also have a positive impact on the local economies in the areas where the charging stations are installed. By attracting electric vehicle owners to stop and charge their vehicles at these locations, businesses like Kwik Trip and Road Ranger stand to increase foot traffic and potentially boost sales of their goods and services. In addition, the installation of EV charging stations at these businesses can enhance their reputation as environmentally conscious and forward-thinking establishments, which can attract socially responsible customers and improve community relations.
The funding for EV charging stations is part of a larger effort by the state of Wisconsin to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels for transportation. By investing in a network of charging infrastructure, the state aims to alleviate concerns about range anxiety and increase the convenience of owning an electric vehicle. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and support sustainable transportation options in Wisconsin, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents. As electric vehicles continue to gain traction in the market, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable transportation system and achieving long-term climate goals.
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