The gist
The Biden-Harris Administration announced Aug. 27 that $16.6 million in grants will be awarded to two projects in Texas to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure to close gaps in the charging networks in San Antonio and Houston.
According to a news release from the United States Department of Transportation, Houston will receive $15 million of the grant to build publicly-accessible charging stations at city-owned libraries, community centers and parks.
The project will include building 366 chargers in total across approximately 80 locations.
The EV program is also looking to expand access in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods and add rideshare networks in communities where car ownership is low.
Zooming out
The $16.6 million grant is apart of a $521 million nationwide initiative to continue building out EV charging infrastructure in 29 states, eight federally recognized tribes and the District of Columbia.
“The EV charging and alternative fueling projects receiving awards today will help deliver world-class, clean transportation systems in Texas communities,” Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said. “These investments put America on a path to lead the world in zero-emission transportation technology while creating good-paying jobs and reducing our carbon footprint.”
The two grants announced Aug. 27 are apart of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program. The program's next round of applications for grant funding is Sept. 11.
