Nov. 15, 2024
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) is thrilled to announce the opening of the first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Eastern United States funded by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program. The town of Deerfield, MA, installed the region’s first DC fast chargers (4 ports) as well as four slower Level 2 charging ports at the Leary Public Parking Lot. The mix of charging speeds is conveniently located near many amenities to serve drivers who need a quick charge, residents who need convenient charging, and visitors enjoying tourist attractions in the community.
Built with $2.46 million in CFI funding, the project is located near Interstate 91 in Franklin County, Massachusetts, a route that serves drivers in New England from Connecticut up to the Canadian border. The project offers access to multiple modes of transportation, with Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) Local and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) Regional bus stops nearby and designated bike lanes for safe bicycle access, with secure on-site bike racks.
“Multi-modal charging hubs in communities are key to giving more people the choice to ride and drive electric,” said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “The Town of Deerfield is showing leadership in building out convenient charging infrastructure that brings new transportation choices to rural and disadvantaged communities, while supporting local commerce.”
The charging locations are expected to support local and regional passenger vehicles, as well as municipal EVs from local communities and commercial transit vans, delivery vans, and trucks that serve nearby food and beverage manufacturing, lumber, and hardware businesses. Site design prioritized pedestrian access upgrades to encourage walkability and connectedness to local attractions, in addition to supporting resiliency with stormwater management, bioswales, natural grasses and permeable soils.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s CFI Grant Program is designed to build out EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in communities across the country, along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. To date, the CFI Grant Program has awarded over $1 billion to nearly 100 projects nationwide that have spurred private investments in growing the nation’s EV charging network and are actively deploying chargers across the country and ensuring more drivers can charge their EVs where they live, work, and shop, while also supporting longer trips.
These historic investments accelerate the country’s transition to a new energy economy while reducing harms from pollution. The Joint Office provides technical assistance to communities at all stages of interest, planning, and deployment of electric mobility technologies. Contact us to request Joint Office technical assistance.