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Wayne County approves DOE-funded pilot to add electric vehicles and chargers to county fleet
Summary
The Wayne County Commission approved a two-year grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to pilot electric vehicles in the county fleet and install charging infrastructure at the county field engineering office. The funds are reimbursable; the pilot would support up to eight vehicles and up to four dual-port chargers.
The Wayne County Commission on Monday approved a two-year grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to pilot electric vehicles in the county fleet and install vehicle chargers at the county field engineering office.
County staff said the grant comes from Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) pilot funds and is intended to help the county test owning and operating electric vehicles and associated charging infrastructure. Erin Kelly, Sustainability and Innovation, described the funding as reimbursable and tied to pilot activities.
The action was moved by Commissioner Bellamy and, after discussion, was adopted by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Why it matters: County officials said the pilot is meant to build practical experience operating electric vehicles and charging stations for county staff use rather than to enact a broad immediate fleet replacement. Staff described the grant as an opportunity to "walk the walk" on sustainability while using federal grant dollars to offset county costs.
What was approved and how it will work: Staff said the EECBG pilot would support up to eight vehicles and up to four dual-port charging stations, and that the agreement covers two years. Erin Kelly said, "These funds are highly reimbursable, and so the county will submit for a single reimbursement, once work is complete." Hassan Shaikh, director of economic development, told commissioners the county would seek procurement input to select vendors and work with Department of Public Services colleagues to begin implementation quickly.
Commissioner questions and staff responses: Commissioner Bellamy said he supported the measure but asked about timing of federal funding, asking, "Are we getting the whole 487,000 upfront for 2 years?" Kelly responded the grant funds are reimbursable rather than paid upfront and that county staff have been coordinating with federal program staff to ensure funds are available. Hassan Shaikh said the county was "pretty comfortable and confident" the dollars will be available but acknowledged federal grant conditions can change and that the county has a contingency plan.
Tax-credit question: Commissioner Wilson asked whether federal tax-credit or "direct pay" provisions for electric-vehicle or charging-station credits affect the project. Kelly said the county is pursuing eligibility to file for direct pay credits for government entities, a process she called lengthy, but that the current plan is to spend the grant dollars to complete the pilot and pursue direct-pay eligibility separately.
Next steps and limitations: Staff said they will return with procurement recommendations for vendor selection and will coordinate with county departments to begin work as quickly as possible. The agreement is structured around reimbursable grant spending; staff will submit required documentation to federal program administrators for reimbursement once work is complete.
Ending: Commissioners moved and supported the item and approved it. Staff said they will proceed with procurement steps and vendor evaluation for next phases of the pilot.
