Bernalillo County on Sept. 9 approved introduction and immediate adoption of a financial resolution to accept a $500,000 New Mexico Department of Transportation grant and proceed with a downtown DC fast‑charging station at Alvarado Square. Director Brian Lopez of Technical Services said the total project cost is about $607,000 and that the county will provide a $56,900 local bond match plus a $50,000 PNM rebate.

Lopez told the board: “This will be the only DC fast charge station in Downtown Albuquerque supporting both the public and county sustainability goals.” He said the county already operates Level 2 charging at other county sites but that DC fast charge locations are scarce in the metro area and are essential for longer trips or rapid turnaround charging.

Under the grant’s terms equipment must be ordered and the station activated by June 30, 2026; Lopez said procurement will begin immediately because of long lead times for equipment. He also noted a five‑year warranty from the equipment vendor and that the station will charge users a fee to offset electricity costs.

Commissioner Benson criticized the cost, calling the $600,000 total “crazy,” but other commissioners and the county manager said the grant-funded project fills a regional gap and enables downtown visitors to charge quickly and patronize local businesses while charging. The board suspended rules for immediate action and adopted the financial resolution (FR 2025‑92) by a 5–0 vote.

Staff said construction plans will be submitted to the city for permitting, that an agreement with the city is already in place for chargers in the right-of-way along Fourth Street, and that the county will move forward with equipment orders and site preparation to meet the funding deadline.