On August 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the City of Tualatin will receive $15 million in funding to bring publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to the region through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program (CFI Program). Tualatin and Neighbors Charging Up (TANC-UP) will bring EV chargers across Oregon’s North Willamette Valley. In doing so, it will help scale the nation’s charging network, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and address gaps in access. Chargers will primarily serve residents who do not currently have access to at-home charging with a focus on publicly accessible chargers at affordable multifamily housing properties and public facilities, such as libraries, parks, and community centers.
The project will increase EV adoption, and create demand for the new chargers, through extensive engagement and education to ensure the benefits of electric transportation go to those who have the most to gain. We focus on affordable housing because electric vehicles can provide clean, reliable, affordable transportation that saves families thousands of dollars. Current charging gaps in our region mean that the people who can most benefit from the cost savings of driving electric are unable to do so because their neighborhoods lack the infrastructure to support EV driving. By bringing EVs to low- and moderate-income residents, whose limited access to charging often prevents them from driving electric, we help avoid a regional “charging divide” that prevents historically underserved communities from accessing EVs.
Anticipated outcomes include:
- 500 Level 2 networked chargers installed in cities around Northwest Oregon;
- Charging provided at a minimum of 125 unique sites across 17 different cities. Partner cities include: Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, King City, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Milwaukie, Newberg, Portland, Sherwood, Tigard, Salem, Woodburn, and Wood Village;
- Low-income drivers ready to take advantage of these chargers by transitioning to electric vehicles and receiving their many benefits; and
- Advancement of city, regional, state, and national goals related to equity, climate, air quality, and mobility.
The City of Tualatin is leading this project. Tualatin will be supported by Forth as a primary subrecipient and technical lead. Forth is a nonprofit organization with deep experience in equitable transportation electrification and program management. Forth’s experience makes it uniquely suited for this role. PGE is also a partner in this project.
I am grateful to City of Tualatin staff, Forth, PGE, and our federal elected delegation, who were very supportive of this project. This was truly a regional effort.
