The Federal Transit Administration has awarded $2.9 million in grant funding that will go partly for the construction of dedicated electric charging stations.
The funding is part of a larger $130 million in grants provided by the FTA nationally for both the purchase of electric or zero-emission buses, as well as the construction of related supporting facilities.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said the grant funding is specifically designed to “help communities nationwide deploy the next generation of bus technology to enhance their transportation system.”
The infrastructure component of projects funded across the country is entirely centered on the building and/or acquisition of charging stations.
Such charging stations are typically built at fueling station locations, public parking areas, and various business sites.
Funding for the Land of Enchantment will go directly to the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
To date, New Mexico has seen the construction of more than 200 charging facilities statewide, primarily for light-duty electric vehicles.
Earlier this spring, the New Mexico Environment Department announced the awarding of $4.6 million in funds to be used for the construction of an additional two dozen charging stations in metro Albuquerque.
A recent report issued by the New York-based P&S Market Research forecasts that the electric bus charging station market nationally is expected to increase from the current more than $20 million to upwards of $184 million in the next four years.
By Garry Boulard
