Northwest Wayne News

The first of what will be 15 electric vehicle charging sites at state parks was recently celebrated by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and associated partners.

Officials from Adopt a Charger, along with electric car manufacturer Rivian, joined Whitmer in the celebration that will also include a state fish hatchery to be developed in the near future, a recent press release from the governor’s office said.

“Today’s announced partnership between the DNR and Adopt a Charger fits nicely with MDOT's goal to enhance connectivity," Paul C. Ajegba, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, said in the release. "This also compliments the ongoing work by MDOT and our colleagues in other state departments to deliver on a vision for a Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit.”

The governor’s office reported that recently installed solar panels at Holland State Park by Utopian Power are a great example of how they can power park infrastructure and electric vehicles.

“Consumers Energy is excited to work with Governor Whitmer and Rivian to help launch the Lake Michigan circuit of EV charging infrastructure,” Jeff Myrom, director of electric vehicle programs at Consumers Energy, said in the release. “Our PowerMIDrive program analyzed the network needed to support EV charging and to optimize the final locations, collaborating with the State of Michigan to help enable charging ports that will be installed in a number of state parks. Consumers Energy’s partnership with the State of Michigan will help enable Pure Michigan tourism and convenient charging infrastructure over the largest segment of the Lake Michigan Circuit.”

Whitmer noted that the projects will help boost the economy and lower costs for motorists and families in the long run.

“These EV chargers are an important way to encourage sustainable travel across our state, while sharing the tremendous beauty and recreation offered by our world class state parks here in Michigan,” Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, which is part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said in the release. “As we encourage travelers to Pursue their Pure this summer, ensuring easy, reliable access to EV charging helps us continue to share these amazing opportunities with new travelers.”