Politics & Government
Ridgefield Getting Vehicle Charging Boost In Volkswagen Settlement
Volkswagen funding is being used to subsidize a local electric vehicle charging project.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Volkswagen Corporation emissions cheating scandal is yielding some benefits to Ridgefield.
Gov. Ned Lamont Tuesday announced that his administration is releasing more than $6 million from the legal settlement to fund 54 electric vehicle supply equipment projects across Connecticut.
The state is awarding the town of Ridgefield $50,917 to help pay for six dual-port, level 2 chargers on outdoor pedestals, at three locations:
- Governor Street Municipal Parking Lot, Governor Street
- Richard E. Venus Building, 90 East Ridge Road
- Parks and Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Road
The town needs to kick in $27,417
Administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the state is making these funds available for the installation of EVSE to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Approximately $1.8 million is being awarded for EVSE deployment at state government sites to advance sustainability goals, with an additional $3.3 million awarded for municipal projects, ten of which are located in environmental justice communities. Additionally, nearly $1 million is being dedicated to support non-government, public EVSE.
"The transportation sector is responsible for approximately 70% of smog forming air pollution and 40% of climate pollution in Connecticut," Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Expanding the availability of charging infrastructure around the state is critical to scaling up EV adoption."
