U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Agreement for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Northwest Oregon |
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Topics: Ray LaHood
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Federal Highway Administration
8 April 2011
FHWA 14-11
Friday, April 8, 2011
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-4650
Project to support electric cars, reduce gas emissions
WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today that Northwest Oregon drivers of electric vehicles will now be able to travel longer distances thanks to the installation of 20 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The charging stations are being installed as part of a $2 million agreement signed between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
"These new electric vehicle charging stations will help us meet President Obama's goal of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels," said Secretary LaHood. "They will also help us protect Oregon's environment by reducing emissions."
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Oregon with a $2 million grant from the Department's TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program to complete the $2.75 million project. Currently, there are about three dozen EV charging stations located around Portland. This $2 million grant will enable Oregon to build the necessary infrastructure to support the increasing number of electric cars on the road and expand drivers' range of travel. The new stations will be placed no more than 50 miles apart on highways outside of metro areas to create a continuous network for the cars.
"Drivers will have the peace of mind in knowing they can recharge their cars when traveling longer distances," Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said. "Oregon will serve as a model for rest of the county in its innovative and cutting-edge approach to transportation."
Mendez pointed out that adding charging stations along more routes is an incentive for drivers to use electric cars.
The Department awarded the grant on October 30, 2010, as part of the TIGER II program. Selected projects have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area. The projects chosen demonstrate an ability to contribute to the long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities, increase livability and create or preserve jobs quickly.