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Trustees approve state-funded EV charging plaza on Fourth Street
Summary
Trustees approved a New Mexico Department of Transportation grant to install two fast‑charge electric‑vehicle stations at a Fourth Street parking lot; the project is funded largely by state severance‑tax bonds and requires the village to accept ownership and maintenance responsibilities for site improvements.
The Village of Los Ranchos Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Oct. 21 to accept an NMDOT grant and related agreement to build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the village’s preferred Fourth Street parking lot.
Mr. Aila, presenting the measure, said the board was being asked to accept both a grant and an agreement: "This agreement ... is the board of trustees approval of that for over three quarter of a million dollars to install EV charging stations." Staff said the state agreed to shift the site to a parking-lot location at 6780 Fourth Street to increase access to nearby businesses.
Trustees and staff discussed technical elements. Answering questions, staff said the initial deployment will include two fast‑charge stations, each able to supply a charging session in roughly 25–30 minutes. The village will own the installed infrastructure and must maintain parking‑lot and site amenities for at least 10 years, while the equipment operator/contractor will handle station maintenance and operations under a concession arrangement; the village will act as fiscal agent for grant funds.
Trustees approved three related actions in sequence: acceptance of the NMDOT EV infrastructure grant (Resolution 2025‑10‑01), a budget adjustment to add the project revenue and expense to the capital infrastructure fund (Resolution 2025‑10‑02), and participation in an NMDOT capital‑outlay appropriation of $50,000 for Fourth Street construction (Resolution 2025‑10‑03). All votes were roll‑call and recorded as 4–0 in favor.
Supporters said the plaza will promote EV travel and could benefit nearby businesses by encouraging short visits while drivers charge. Trustees pressed staff about possible additional costs — lighting, ADA access pads, and transformer upgrades — and were told the grant covers construction and the village will manage site upkeep as part of its facilities budget.
Votes at a glance: - Resolution 2025‑10‑01 (EV infrastructure agreement): approved by roll call, in favor 4, opposed 0. - Resolution 2025‑10‑02 (budget adjustment to fund EV stations): approved by roll call, in favor 4, opposed 0. - Resolution 2025‑10‑03 (participation in DOT capital outlay, $50,000): approved by roll call, in favor 4, opposed 0.
Trustees instructed staff to return with details of operation agreements and any long‑term maintenance commitments before construction is finalized.
