30/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 30/08/2024 20:25
The City of Detroit was awarded $23.4 million in federal funding to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, as announcedby the Biden-Harris administration on Tuesday. This funding is part of a broader $521 million investment under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program, designed to reduce transportation emissions and increase access to EV charging stations nationwide.
The City of Detroit is committed to expanding charging access, will support residents in the transition to an EV so they may enjoy the benefits of zero emissions transportation, such as reduced operating costs and less air pollution. EV chargers will be publicly accessible and strategically located near community destinations and Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) to help make owning an EV more practical for Detroiters. The projects will invest in workforce development by offering training programs and creating local jobs through partnerships with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union.
"Thank you to the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued investment in the City of Detroit, not only our infrastructure, but our people," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "We are committed to expanding equitable access to electric vehicle charging and job creation around clean energy."
Citywide Sustainability Efforts
"This funding marks a significant step forward for Detroit as we work to create a cleaner transportation system. By investing in Detroit's infrastructure and preparing our workforce for the electric future, we're not just building places to charge - we're building opportunity for Detroiters to thrive in a sustainable economy," said Tim Slusser, City of Detroit's Chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation.
As part of the Detroit Climate Strategy, the city is prioritizing efforts to increase sustainable mobility. Currently, most motorized transportation options rely on fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases (GHGs). Cars and buildings are the main contributors of energy-related emissions, and increased EV access fits within the City's strategy to reduce emissions.
Citywide efforts for sustainable mobility include improving public transit, prioritizing walking and biking, and encouraging the adoption of EV's. Installing a comprehensive network of public EV chargers will provide greater accessibility to clean transportation options, aligning with Detroit's goal of reducing transportation-related emissions and promoting a healthier environment.
"Sustainable mobility is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. It's also a key component of the city's climate strategy and we are committed to making sure Detroiters have access to clean, safe, and affordable transportation. By building out a comprehensive EV charging network residents and visitors will be able to participate in the clean energy transition our city needs," said Tepfirah Rushdan, Director of the City of Detroit's Office of Sustainability.
The projects align with the Biden-Harris administration's goals of reducing GHG's and promoting equity in transportation access. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a former Michigan governor, said, "This investment will deliver good-paying local jobs while expanding transportation options for all Americans, regardless of geography or income."
These awards are part of the administration's commitment to reducing transportation emissions and building a national EV charging network.
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About the City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI):
The Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) exists to help the City of Detroit navigate the rapidly changing transportation and mobility industries. Transportation and mobility are essential for both people and businesses and Detroit's automotive heritage provides an unparalleled opportunity to work with industry to innovate and define their future.
OMI will lead mobility advancement efforts on behalf of the City of Detroit and collaborate with industry, academia, philanthropy, and local, state and federal government. By centering residents in every step of the process, OMI is focused on leveraging mobility as a pathway to opportunity in Detroit.
For additional information about OMI, please visit https://detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office/office-mobility-innovationor follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtubeand Instagram