Harder Secures Landmark $15 Million to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure in San Joaquin County
Investment will fund 74 Level-2 and 40 DC fast chargers at 20 different locations throughout San Joaquin County
Rep. Harder advocated for this DOT funding in a letter of support in June
This investment marks a huge milestone in San Joaquin County’s efforts to address climate change
WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) announced he secured a $15 million grant from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund electric vehicle (EV) charging and fueling infrastructure in San Joaquin County. This is a landmark investment in the region and will fund 74 level-2 and 40 DC fast chargers at 20 different locations across the county. This project will expand public EV charging options and make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible.
“This is a huge win for our region. We have some of the worst air quality in the country and some of the highest gas prices. We’ve also seen some of the worst effects of climate change here with last year’s major storms and flooding,” said Rep. Harder. “Filling up the tank is too expensive – I pushed to suspend the gas tax and bring folks relief, but consumers need more choices when they’re buying a car. This $15 million investment means electric cars are now more accessible and affordable for our families.”
“We have a proven track record of harnessing strong partnerships focused on improving the lives of residents in San Joaquin County,” Escalon Mayor and San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) Board Chair David Bellinger said. “Our partnership in this project with the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin, Institute for Local Government, and private infrastructure partner, EVCS, means we’re installing more than 100 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the region. We’re being environmentally sustainable, improving the air quality, and increasing access to charging stations in every city as well as unincorporated areas. And that means a cleaner future for us all.”
“Housing Authority County of San Joaquin (HACSJ) is thrilled to be a partner and recipient with the San Joaquin Council of Governments in the grant award of $15,000,00 in the United States Department of Transportation Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program. It is amazing when highly competitive funding serves all residents of San Joaquin County regardless of income,” said Peter W. Ragsdale, Executive Director of the Housing Authority CSJ. “Poor air quality affects disinvested parts of our County and these critical investments are laying the groundwork for better air quality, as well as job opportunities. This grant will provide affordable transportation, charging opportunities for electric vehicles, and training for a Green economy. Affordable, clean mobility and Green job training are the future!”
Rep. Harder pushed DOT with a letter of support for this funding. He also helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act which included new tax credits for people purchasing new and used EV and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCV). This $15 million investment in charging infrastructure will make it even more practical for San Joaquin families to choose EVs and FCVs as opposed to gas-only powered cars.
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