Over the next 5 years, North American municipalities are budgeted to invest $8 trillion in building out and operating EV charging infrastructure to promote affordable living, enhance quality services and drive economic vibrancy in their communities. That’s big business for EV network builders and managers.
The latest emerging local government opportunity detected by Ontopical is in Rochester, Minnesota, which is seeking $3.4M in funding to expand the region’s public EV charging infrastructure.
The City is applying for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program. If selected, the funding will enable the City, in partnership with Olmsted County and Rochester Community and Technical College, to expand the region’s public EV charging infrastructure, increasing accessibility for residents and visitors. This is a prime opportunity to establish a strong market presence in a growing, high-traffic region.
Location
Rochester, Minnesota, is the third-largest city in the state and the county seat of Olmsted County, with a population of 121,388. The city’s strategic priorities include affordable living (which includes transportation options and access), economic growth, and quality services.
Project scope
This opportunity is currently in the pre-approval phase. The City initially applied for the CFI program in 2023 but was not selected for funding in the first round. The City can resubmit the proposal for reconsideration in the second round of funding.
If funding is awarded, the project will include the installation of level 2 and DC fast charging stations at strategic areas, including:
- Downtown Rochester
- The Rochester Community and Technical College Regional Sports Complex
- Along U.S. Highway 63 at the Fairgrounds Park & Ride
According to PlugShare.com, the Rochester area currently has 42 EV charging locations, including EV Connect, ChargePoint, and Telsa Supercharger.
The opportunity for EV charging solution providers
This project is ideal for EV charging companies that offer turnkey services that include installation, operations, and maintenance. With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s CFI program requiring a 20% private sector match, the ideal private partner is ready to invest in a growing market.
This partnership model offers a chance for charging solution providers to establish or expand their footprint in Rochester, meet the city’s growing demand for EV infrastructure, and set the stage for long-term growth and brand visibility in a high-traffic region.
Budget
The City is applying for $3,468,400 in CFI funding to support the proposed EV infrastructure installation project. The total cost of the project is $4,335,500.
Timing
On August 19, 2024, the City approved the application resubmission to the CFI grant. The application was due on August 28, 2024.
Contact
Kayla Betzold is the City’s Sustainability Coordinator within the Public Works Department. As the presenter of this initiative to the council, she may be involved in the application process and later proposal stages.
Find out first about Rochester’s EV charging network plans and similar government projects
Ontopical first identified this local government business development opportunity on August 19, 2024, in the City of Rochester City Council Agenda Packet.
See this opportunity in Ontopical
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