Travelers in electric vehicles will soon be able to find charging stations at White Pass, Packwood, Randle, Morton, Elbe, Mossyrock and Salkum.
Construction began this week on a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the White Pass Scenic Byway on U.S. Highway 12.
The network will include eight new EV charging stations from Chehalis to the White Pass Ski Area, with each equipped with at least one level three fast charger and one level two charger. All the stations are expected to be operational this year and will be listed for drivers to find on the PlugShare website and mobile application, according to a news release.
Leading the EV infrastructure project is Energy Northwest, a Washington state joint operating agency that operates one of the largest clean energy generation portfolios in the region and has been expanding EV infrastructure throughout the state since 2016, according to the release.
“Our goal is to help Washington state meet its carbon-reduction goals — both in the transportation sector and with the clean energy transformation — to benefit our members, regional customers and the public,” said Greg Cullen, Energy Northwest's vice president for energy services and development. “As the transportation sector evolves, having the infrastructure in place is vital for connecting communities across Washington."
Resound Energy, LLC, of Bothell, was selected as the construction contractor. JSA Civil, LLC, of Tumwater, was the primary engineering firm on the project.
The project is a collaboration among Energy Northwest, the Lewis County Public Utility District and Twin Transit, with support from White Pass Scenic Byway organization, Benton REA and surrounding community members, according to the release.
“Highway 12 is designated as an underserved corridor for EV drivers and it’s an integral route for travel across Washington, with stretches of rural areas through Lewis, Pierce and Yakima counties," said Tanya Dion, Energy Northwest project developer. “We’ve had a great amount of interest and support from local communities to install this network of charging stations. This makes long distance EV driving possible through this beautiful part of our state."
Each charging location on the White Pass Scenic Byway will have an interpretive sign highlighting nearby attractions and local information.
“We are excited to see this project come to fruition. We are pleased to be able to offer EV charging services to enable travelers with electric vehicles to now drive between eastern and western Washington via the White Pass Scenic Byway on Highway 12,” said Maree Lerchen, White Pass Scenic Byway Board president.
Energy Northwest secured two grants to fund the project — a $1.15 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce's Clean Energy Fund and about $667,000 from the TransAlta Coal Transition Fund.
Station Locations:
