Funding targeted for electrification enhancements at Rosemount Transit Station
Apr 25, 2024 12:53 pm
Anthony Taylor, MVTA Manager, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, discusses plans for improvements at Rosemount Transit Station with, from left, Rosemount Mayor Jeff Weisensel; Dan Kealey, Chair of the MVTA Board of Commissioners; U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, and MVTA Chief Executive Officer Luther Wynder.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) has secured $950,000 in federal funding to provide electrical charging amenities and improvements at Rosemount Transit Station and 157 Street Station.
MVTA is planning to install four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and one pantograph charging station for transit buses at transit stations.
The Rosemount Transit Station (RTS) electrification project will provide new electric charging amenities and improvements that will enhance the sustainability, safety, and appeal of Rosemount Transit Station to current and future riders.
These updates will make the stations a more attractive place for riders that own or use an electric vehicle, while working toward MVTA’s Zero Emission Bus initiatives.
The federal funding for the project was supported by U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, who have been involved with securing federal funding for projects benefiting communities through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending.”
“Providing these critical improvements will bring tremendous benefits to the south metro: reduce carbon emissions, encourage Minnesotans to utilize public transportation, boost economic opportunities and help create 6,000 new jobs by 2040,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m pleased we were able to bring these federal dollars home to Rosemount.”
Legislators considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across Minnesota.
“This project is in alignment with the goals identified in MVTA’s Sustainability Plan, adopted in 2023, as well as a market analysis and review of electric vehicle charging infrastructure that occurred at each MVTA facility,” according to MVTA Senior Transit Planner Grace Almeida. “The review included internal and external factors, including parking supply, ridership/parking counts by facility, charging needs, charging infrastructure gaps across the south metro, land use and travel behaviors.”
At the time of proposal submission, there was only one existing charger location in the city of Rosemount, and one charger location in Apple Valley. Engagement and outreach efforts as a part of the plan development also found that more than 75 percent of rider respondents indicated interest in purchasing an EV for their next car.
“As we look to modernize and transition our transportation system to one that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, this electrification will help us meet sustainability goals,” said MVTA Chief Executive Officer Luther Wynder.
Rosemount is projected to have nearly 13,000 new residents and 6,000 new jobs by 2040.
“Vehicles and buses that do not have tailpipe emissions greatly reduce air pollution,” Wynder said. “In this way, investing in electrification supports all those in the community, and particularly the people who utilize and depend on transit the most.”
