Could Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Be In Town’s Future?

Town officials are expressing preliminary interest in a funding opportunity that could eventually lead to electric vehicle charging stations in Collinsville and other areas in town.

The town, after recent Board of Selectmen approval, is filing a "notice of intent" for electric vehicle charging stations under the federally funded Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Program. 

Due by Nov. 30, the notice of intent would simply ensure the idea is reviewed by Capitol Region Council of Governments' transportation committee meeting in mid December, Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said. It does not obligate the town to apply. However, if the project is ranked favorably, the town can further research the idea and selectmen can decide whether to formally apply for the program by the Jan. 9, 2012 deadline, Skinner said.

There is also a possibility of applying with other towns and Simsbury has expressed some interest in the idea, Skinner said.

Excluding installation, the stations generally cost between $3,000 and $10,000, Skinner said. As part of the program, towns can receive 80 to 100 percent reimbursement for non-construction projects of $50,000 or more. 

First Selectman Richard Barlow said several residents have suggested the idea of charging stations. 

"It seemed like a natural thing to try to establish some of these stations particularly in Collinsville," Barlow said.

Skinner agreed it would be a good fit for Collinsville. And as electric vehicles become more and more popular, areas with stations can benefit economically, he said. Users seek charging stations, listed on sites such as this one from the Department of Energy. 

"More and more, these will become destination areas," Skinner said.

Barlow agrees the project would be a positive for energy conservation and economic development. 

"I think it's a nice economic incentive to people that are going to be in that market to come to Collinsville or come to locations in Canton," Barlow said. "I just think it's something that we can get out in front of and actually show some leadership." 

A total of $10 million per year of the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Program federal funds are being awarded by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The Capitol Region Council of Governments is helping with the selection process for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years.