Number Of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations To Expand In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT-DEEP) with a $14.6 million grant to expand the state's network of electric vehicle charging stations, and Stamford is one of the beneficiaries.

The money is coming from the U.S. DOT's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Twelve DCFC chargers will be installed at the Bedford Street parking garage, and another 12 will be placed at the Summer Street garage.

Other communities receiving electric vehicle charging stations include Barkhamsted, Bridgeport, East Hartford, Groton, Hartford and New Haven. These new locations will join 726 other publicly accessible charging locations across Connecticut.

A news release from Lamont's office said the grant money emphasizes neighborhood revitalization, transit-oriented development and equitable access via additional on-street charging.

"Connecticut is continuing to make investments in cleaner transportation thanks to our collaboration with our federal and local partners," Lamont said in a news release. "Putting these funds to work in rural and urban communities around the state will make it easier for people and businesses to continue making the transition to cleaner cars and trucks. I appreciate the Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation for partnering with Connecticut so that we can implement these infrastructure upgrades."

Lamont's office said increasing the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in Connecticut will greatly reduce air pollution from the transportation sector, which accounts for more than 67 percent of smog-forming pollution in the state.

CT-DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said vehicle electrification is "foundational" to Connecticut meeting its clean air and climate goals.

"Working with these key communities to install more chargers is an example of DEEP’s focus on equity as we build out the infrastructure necessary to ensure all Connecticut residents are able to benefit from the EV transition," Dykes said.

Patch has reached out to the Stamford Mayor's Office for comment.