MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Construction to install 10 electric vehicle charging stations in Mountlake Terrace could start by the end of January.
The City Council awarded the bid to the High Mountain Electric Inc. earlier this month to install the stations at the city’s Transit Center. The project is expected to cost more than $65,000, 9.7 percent lower than initial estimates.
In addition to the charging stations, a power distribution unit, signs and spots accessible to vans with disabled parking permits will be included in the project.
The project is expected to last 30 working days.
Mountlake Terrace is one of several cities along I-5 that plan charging stations for owners of electric vehicles with demand for the cars expected to grow.
The project is funded through federal stimulus dollars via a $54,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Rather than award direct funds, the grant supplied the charging stations to the city. The city’s Street Construction Fund will match the grant to cover installation costs.
The city entered an agreement with Community Transit that will allow the city to own and operate the charging stations at the Transit Center. Officials entered another agreement with the state Department of Transportation to construct, operate and maintain the stations.
Because of its population size and proximity to I-5, a major transportation corridor, Mountlake Terrace was one of a handful of South County cities identified to establish regulations to allow for charging stations.
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