Weston, Easton Getting Vehicle Charging Boost In VW Settlement

WESTON, CT — The Volkswagen Corporation emissions cheating scandal is yielding some benefits to Weston and Easton.

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 Weston $20,171 to help pay for two dual-port, level 2 chargers on outdoor pedestals, at the Public Works site, 78 Old Hyde Road. Weston needs to kick in $30,862.

The state is paying Easton $15,868 for two more of the same, to be installed 691 Morehouse Road. Easton's share will be $44,412.

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."