Granbury approves application for NCTCOG grant to add fast EV chargers downtown

Granbury City Council on Oct. 7 authorized staff to submit an application to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for funding to install public fast electric vehicle chargers under a program that would provide federal/state funds and vendor contributions.

Grant details: Jordan Willingham, city manager intern, explained the call for projects allocates roughly $13 million across 16 counties. The grant structure described to council funds roughly 80% of initial deployment and construction through the federal portion, with an estimated 20% vendor contribution for equipment; operations and maintenance are initially vendor‑heavy (vendor covers 80% of O&M for five years while the city would cover 20%). After five years, ownership and full O&M responsibility revert to the city unless a vendor agreement is continued.

Sites and technology: Staff proposed two initial sites near Visit Granbury and City Hall parking lots with level‑3 direct‑current fast chargers (DCFC) that can provide substantial charge in 30–40 minutes; the grant application contemplates dedicated EV parking stalls and necessary electrical upgrades (three‑phase 480V power) and security requirements. Total grant request not to exceed $1.5 million; individual site costs were estimated in the $600,000–$800,000 range depending on scope and vendor selection.

Council discussion: Council asked about parking impacts downtown and charger longevity; staff said no onsite parking changes would occur until the grant is awarded and vendor selected, and that vendor selection and technical specifications would be clarified with NCTCOG if awarded.

Vote: Council authorized submission of the grant application by adopting Resolution 25‑16.

Ending: Staff will proceed with the application and return with vendor selection and site plans if the grant is awarded.