The City of Jacksonville, JEA, and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) have been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to install 100 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across public spaces and educational campuses in Jacksonville. This funding, part of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help address the region’s growing need for EV infrastructure, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in underserved communities.
Acting Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Gloria M. Shepherd said, “The grants announced today will continue this important work by investing in alternative fueling infrastructure in communities, creating economic opportunities, and advancing equity in EV charging by ensuring all Americans can share the benefits of an electrified future.”
The funding will enable the installation of chargers at 6 FSCJ campuses and 4 City of Jacksonville public sites, marking a 62.5% increase in the city’s current network of chargers. The chargers will be publicly accessible, benefiting residents, students, and visitors alike.
Mayor Donna Deegan expressed her excitement, stating, “We are taking a bold step toward creating a greener, healthier city. By investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, we are improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring that all Jacksonville residents, no matter their neighborhood, can benefit from a cleaner city.”
The initiative aligns with the goals of the EPA-funded Clean Air Northeast Florida Priority Climate Action Plan, which emphasizes EV adoption as a strategy to reduce regional emissions. Transportation accounts for approximately 40% of Northeast Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the development of EV infrastructure a key component in improving air quality.
With more than 13,000 plug-in electric vehicles registered in Duval County, the need for accessible and reliable EV charging infrastructure is critical. The Duval County Phase 1 EV Charging Initiative is designed to ensure the city’s EV infrastructure keeps pace with growth and eliminates barriers to EV adoption.
JEA will provide in-kind support for utility connections, materials, and transformers, with CEO Vickie Cavey noting, “This will support JEA’s commitment to sustainability and our community’s growing interest in electric vehicles.”
FSCJ will also be involved by providing workforce development opportunities related to the clean energy sector. Dr. John Avendano, FSCJ President, said, “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to promoting sustainability and workforce development.”
The project, set to be implemented over three years, will focus on site preparation, charger installation, and community outreach, with the goal of expanding access to sustainable transportation, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Ashantae Green, City of Jacksonville Sustainability Manager, added, “We are grateful for the support of our community partners and subject matter experts who made this project possible.”
The city acknowledges the guidance and expertise of several partners, including Miller Electric Company, Edward Waters University, Feeding Northeast Florida, and the Florida Department of Transportation, in securing the grant.
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