Thirty-two new electric vehicle charging stations will be constructed for the public after the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the acceptance of $1.4 million in federal funding to contribute to the project. The funding will support the creation of a new pilot program called “Connecting JOCO,” which is funded with 80% external support and a 20% local match to be funded from Johnson County and its partners. The program would install 32 new charging stations at 16 key locations across the county.

The new charging stations will support the use of electric vehicles, which have zero tailpipe emissions, leading to better air quality throughout the region. Expanding charging infrastructure will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the county and will contribute to Johnson County’s commitment to sustainability.

"This action through the bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a great opportunity to expand electric vehicle infrastructure in our community," said Mike Kelly, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. "We appreciate that these actions will lower transportation-related carbon emissions in our region, increase air quality, and combat the effects of climate change, all of which aligns with our Board’s priority to provide a healthier community through sustainability. We appreciate the partnership of the Biden-Harris administration in making this grant a possibility."

Currently, 7% of new vehicle sales are electric vehicles, highlighting the need for additional infrastructure.

The planned locations of the new charging stations would include:

• Johnson County Courthouse, 150 W. Santa Fe St., Olathe
• Mid-America Sports Complex, 20000 Johnson Drive, Shawnee
• Various library locations in Johnson County
• Community centers and parks in Mission, Overland Park, Prairie Village and Roeland Park

This collaboration among Johnson County, local cities, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Johnson County Library would allow residents to charge vehicles while visiting libraries, parks, community centers and other municipal and county facilities.

Design work on the new charging stations will begin soon, with installation of the new stations scheduled to begin in the summer of next year.