In a recent government meeting, officials expressed disappointment over the cancellation of a significant grant for electric street sweepers and a fast charging station in Lebanon. The Granite State Clean Fleet Grant, which aimed to fund two electric street sweepers and a charging station at the local transfer station, was unexpectedly scrapped by the governor, who cited concerns over the project's cost to a single community.

The governor's decision has raised questions among local leaders, who noted that Lebanon was the only community to have its grant proposal rejected. The project had scored second highest among all submissions in the state, indicating strong potential benefits. Officials speculated that the governor's apprehension stemmed from the project's total cost, which was significantly higher than other funded projects.

During the meeting, participants discussed the possibility of revisiting the proposal, potentially scaling it down to one street sweeper and a charger. They emphasized the importance of the project not only for Lebanon but also for neighboring communities, particularly in terms of emergency preparedness and resilience during power outages.

Local leaders are considering reaching out to the governor and other executive council members to advocate for the project's reconsideration, highlighting its regional benefits. They believe that the ability to charge electric vehicles during emergencies is a critical resource that extends beyond Lebanon.

As discussions continue, officials are urged to coordinate efforts to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is planned for the landfill gas project, which is set to begin construction soon. The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, but local leaders are determined to pursue the grant's reinstatement, recognizing its potential impact on the community and surrounding areas.