Some context
City management formed an interdepartmental team in spring 2022 to explore suitable locations for EV charging stations on public properties.
The initiative for more charging stations aims to promote electric vehicle usage and improve charging infrastructure in the city, according to a city presentation.
By the numbers
“We have a number of citizens driving [electric vehicles] and understand the commitment to that, 723 electric vehicles were recorded within the three zip codes in Sugar Land as of last year,” Assistant Director of Aviation Ken Durbin said.
Eleven vendors expressed interest in response to the request for statements of interest released by the city in July 2022. Seven vendors submitted statements of interest by the September deadline.
After an analysis by the city of Sugar Land Data Team, six potential sites were identified, including the Sugar Land Airport, Imperial Park Recreation Center, the Gillingham Public Works Facility, Brazos River Park and Sugar Land Memorial Park.
The cost
To minimize costs and risks, the city opted for a zero capital investment strategy, leveraging public property access, Durbin said.
Motivated by savings from a free CenterPoint infrastructure installation, Argent Company took the initiative to assist with a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2023 Charging and Fueling Infrastructure, or CFI, Grant Program.
The CFI grant program offers $500,000 for EV charging station installation, with a $100,000 sponsor share. Argent recognized the unfunded nature of the city's initiative and assumed the burden of the sponsor share, resulting in a successful grant application before the June 13 deadline.
Durbin emphasized the importance of supporting the growing electric vehicle community, highlighting the pilot program's success, competitive interest from vendors and no cost to taxpayers.
The results
The unanimous 7-0 vote of approval by the council allows Sugar Land to significantly expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, providing more potentially convenient options for residents.
