A new contract will allow the City of Inkster to purchase electric vehicles at the same price as gas-powered cars and includes the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at no cost to taxpayers.
Members of the Inkster City Council unanimously approved a partnership with Royal Oak-based AAW Infrastructure Partners, L3C to launch a new Inkster EV-Mobility and Economic Stimulus program.
Officials said having an established EV program, in addition to providing match funding, will give Inkster a competitive edge over other U.S. cities in vying for a portion of the $2.5 billion in grant money to install EV charging stations. Those funds will be available to local communities as part the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
''I am extremely hopeful about a more fundamental and a significant future. I'm excited to see greener transportation alternatives in the City of Inkster,”' commented Executive Assistant to the Mayor Saif Alsenad.
AAW raises funds through “hybrid” advertising-sponsorship arrangements with businesses, organizations, and individuals, and applies those funds to energy-efficient projects that save money for cities. In turn, AAW promotes the advertisers-sponsors, encouraging customer traffic and sales, according to the proposed arrangement. AAW representatives encourage advertisers-sponsors to take advantage of complimentary energy assessments from DTE Energy to help businesses reduce their energy costs and save money.
“We are very pleased to have one of Michigan's most progressive mayors and the City of Inkster join our initiative” commented Thomas Wither, CEO of AAW Infrastructure Partners, L3C. “Mayor (Patrick) Wimberly is dedicated to the resurgence of his city, and we look forward to making Inkster one of the most EV-ready cities in America.”
President Joe Biden recently set a new national target for the adoption of electric vehicles, calling for them to represent 40 to 50 percent of all new auto sales by 2030 and at her State of the State address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, 'Michigan put the world on wheels, and we will electrify it too'.
