UPDATE: The town of Porter, Indiana may finally receive the long-awaited $4 million federal grant aimed at funding electric pickup trucks and charging stations, more than three years after the award was made. However, significant changes to the grant’s terms have left town officials cautious about moving forward.
During a Town Council meeting on Tuesday, James Spanier, the Public Works Director, announced that the deal is “back from the dead,” with indications from Drive Clean Indiana that Porter could order the vehicles as early as January 2024. The grant, part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed by former President Joe Biden on November 5, 2021, aims to combat climate change by promoting electric vehicle adoption.
However, the grant’s provisions have shifted. Originally set to cover 80% of the cost for each Ford Lightning F-150, valued at $55,000 in 2023, the new terms require Porter to cover 36% of the expenses. Should the town proceed with ordering six electric trucks, the total cost would rise to approximately $112,320, with each vehicle costing an estimated $18,720 out of pocket.
The situation has raised alarms among council members. Laura Madigan, the Council President, expressed her concerns about the financial implications, stating, “I don’t know if I want to gamble with the taxpayer’s money. If this falls through, I would be sick about it.” The uncertainty surrounding the grant’s funding has created a sense of urgency and hesitation among town officials, especially with recent changes in political attitudes towards electric vehicles.
The town’s financial outlook is also troubling. New legislation, Senate Bill 1, limits property tax revenue growth, making budgets tighter in the coming years. Additionally, the town would need to pay upfront for the vehicles and seek reimbursement later, increasing the risk of financial strain.
The council did consider alternatives, including the construction of a charging station that could be integrated with Wi-Fi for a lower cost. However, concerns over the functionality of electric trucks, such as their incompatibility with snow removal equipment, have prompted officials to think twice about the fleet size, with three trucks now appearing more likely than six.
In a unanimous decision, the council also approved a separate initiative, contracting Commonwealth Engineers, Inc. for $30,000 to analyze sewer line issues affecting the north side of Porter. Infiltration from storm events into an outdated clay sewer line could lead to significant cost savings if remedied.
As the situation develops, Porter officials are expected to gather more information before making a final decision on the electric trucks. With the clock ticking, community members and stakeholders are watching closely as the town navigates this complex and evolving matter.
