Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been awarded nearly $15 million in federal funding to develop a network of 53 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The project, supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program, will involve a public-private partnership with a partner yet to be announced.
According to the Milwaukee Common Council, at least 40% of the chargers will be located in disadvantaged neighborhoods, with the remainder installed at public libraries across the city. The initiative will roll out in two phases. The first phase focuses on selecting station locations, adhering to federal guidelines, and engaging the public. Preliminary engineering work will also be completed, along with the identification of a private-sector partner. In the second phase, the Council will finalize site approvals, prioritizing Milwaukee Public Library locations, followed by Milwaukee County parks and cultural sites.
“This investment in electric vehicle infrastructure is an essential step toward achieving the city’s Climate and Equity Plan goals,” Council Members noted. The plan includes a target to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The EV network is part of a broader strategy to support both municipal and public electric vehicle use, contributing to sustainability and equity efforts.
The project exemplifies Milwaukee’s commitment to expanding access to EV charging while addressing environmental justice. It aligns with national goals to advance clean energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, setting a precedent for urban climate initiatives.
