Freeport approves EV‑charger project after securing roughly $960,000 in grants

The Freeport City Council approved a resolution to move forward with an EV‑charger installation agreement with Thayer after staff reported the city had secured a combination of state and utility grants that largely cover project costs.

City Manager Rob Boyer told the council that the city received $320,000 from the Illinois EPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CJA) for charger installation, and that ComEd had confirmed about $640,000 in interconnection and make‑ready incentives, which staff said could bring the program’s reimbursable funding to about $960,000. Manager Boyer said the city has budgeted $180,000 for the project in case of residual costs but that the grant and incentive mix could reduce the city’s direct outlay to only restoration costs such as concrete and parking‑lot striping for ADA compliance.

Staff said each of two downtown lots — one near the post office and one at the Lindo lot — is planned to receive four ChargePoint CP‑280 chargers per location (eight chargers total). ComEd make‑ready incentives have a December 31, 2025 deadline, which staff identified as time‑sensitive. Acting Public Works Director Darren Stiekel and consultant Thayer worked with ChargePoint and ComEd to maximize funding opportunities and develop a build cost estimate.

Why it matters: the grant/incentive package substantially reduces capital cost risk to the city and adds public EV infrastructure in downtown parking lots; staff said the project is already budgeted and that next steps include finalizing the build cost estimate and executing the Thayer agreement.

Council adopted the resolution; roll-call votes show unanimous approval by members present.