Milwaukee Secures $14.9 Million for Citywide EV Charging Network

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) — The City of Milwaukee has secured $14.9 million in federal funding to construct a network of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, officials announced last week.  The project aims to expand transportation options, support Wisconsin’s economy, and reduce emissions to improve public health.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson praised the grant, calling it “wonderful news” that advances the city’s climate and equity goals. He expressed gratitude to Senator Tammy Baldwin and the Biden administration for prioritizing investments in cleaner transportation.

The funding will attempt to assist in installing EV chargers at 53 sites across Milwaukee. Officials prioritized locations in areas lacking existing infrastructure, low-income communities, and neighborhoods with high concentrations of multi-family housing.

This initiative aligns with President Biden’s goal of building 500,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2030. However, according to the Washington Post, progress has been slow, with only seven stations operational across four states more than two years after Congress allocated $7.5 billion for the effort.

The grant comes from the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.