Federal Funding Boosts Miami-Dade County’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

About the Grant

The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently announced that Miami-Dade County is a recipient of $4,760,788 to expand community electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the county to support current and projected electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The funds were granted through the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program made possible thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law from the Biden-Harris administration.

The Project

The Project will provide for the installation of 390 charging ports at 73 community facilities, including libraries, parks, transit hubs, cultural arts facilities, community resource centers, public safety facilities, and college campuses. More than 66% of the total charging stations installed will be in low- to moderate- income neighborhoods and almost all stations will be located within one mile of these communities. A portion of the chargers installed at transit sites will be dedicated specifically to electric car share services that provide first – and last- mile connections to transit. Increasing access to transit options results in wider access to a broader array of jobs and services throughout the region.

Goal and Benefits

“We’re creating an equitable network of EV charging stations so every Miami-Dade resident can reap the many benefits of electric vehicles,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Electric vehicles help tackle the affordability crisis by reducing fueling and maintenance costs. Charging access is a critical step toward making Electric Vehicles (EVs) the transportation of choice for Miami-Dade individuals and families. Moreover, increasing access to EVs will help the county reach goals laid out in the Climate Action Strategy to cut climate pollution 50% by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050 by reducing vehicle emissions. Best of all, transitioning away from gas powered vehicles and to EVs will help improve air quality resulting in broader public health benefits for the community.

Partnership and Collaboration

The County is partnering with the City of Miami Gardens to add some of the first chargers at city facilities. “This project will install and increase the number of charging stations our community has, creating more equitable access for our residents and visitors,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris. In addition, the project will add chargers at all eight campuses of Miami Dade College to serve the diverse student population.

Sustainable Future

“Miami Dade College is proud to be leading the way in making EV infrastructure available to our students,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. Grant funds will also be used to purchase four solar charging units to be located at Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue locations for use following a disaster. The solar charging units include battery storage allowing their use during power outages.

Conclusion

Miami-Dade County is committed to creating an equitable and sustainable transportation network that benefits all residents and visitors. This project marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal, providing access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will help reduce emissions, improve air quality, and promote a healthier environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What is the goal of the grant?
The goal is to expand community electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout Miami-Dade County to support current and projected electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
* How many charging ports will be installed?
390 charging ports will be installed at 73 community facilities.
* What percentage of the total charging stations installed will be in low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods?
More than 66% of the total charging stations installed will be in low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods.
* Who is partnering with the county on this project?
The City of Miami Gardens and Miami Dade College are partnering with the county on this project.