Monterey Moving Forward With TTU EV Charging Station Grant

The Town of Monterey moving forward with a Tennessee Tech grant opportunity that will provide the city with electric vehicle charging stations.

Alderman Alex Garcia said this opportunity comes separately from the proposed electric vehicle infrastructure plan. He said the funds cover the costs of $25,000 Level 2 charging stations at the depot.

“If there’s a cost it will be very minimal to us,” Garcia said. “And if we get it for free, people will be able to charge for free. And that just brings more people to the town of Monterey and more people to us. I don’t think there’s anything to lose there.”

Garcia said the only cost to the city would be the potential for leveling the ground and running electricity. He said Monterey has already done both of these.

Garcia said now that the Board of Aldermen approved moving forward, the next steps will come from Tennessee Tech’s side. He said they estimate a three-month process to get the stations installed.

“This pot has nothing to do with the federal funding,” Garcia said. “I went to Cookeville and met with the Tennessee Tech folks to put Monterey on the map for the federal funding. And that’s where you can only be half a mile from I-40 and those for DC fast-charging stations.”

Alderman Jim Wolfgram was the lone no vote on moving forward. Alderwoman Amy Martin was absent.