Clifton Forge, VA (July 22, 2025) - The very first publicly available EV charging station in the Highlands region was being installed earlier today next to the Clifton Forge Town Hall. J&K Electric's Mark Brackenridge was on the scene and provided the Alleghany Journal with several details of the special project.
• The charging units were provided by proceeds from a federal grant
• The Chargepoint units are model CT 4000, dual units (2 will be in place at this location, with two more to be located on Loop Street, not far from Jack Mason's Tavern (across the street).
• two double pole 40 amp breakers will be installed
• users will be able to pay via credit card (to date, fees for their operation have not yet been published)
Here is Mr. Brackenridge, working alongside members of the CF Public Works crew, readying the site for some concrete and unit placement.
* * *
Apparently, the city of Covington will soon get four of these units, two planned near the Farmer's Market with two more set for an area close to the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library.
Josh Taylor, Exec. Dir. of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism noted that, "I would like to share that this is a Chamber project in partnership with the City and Town, that I have been working on for the better part of the last year. A lot of work behind the scenes with multiple different organizations to bring it to fruition.
"This is part of my Community Impact Project that I am completing as part of my graduation from the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute.
"The Chamber has partnered with both the City of Covington and the Town of Clifton Forge to make this happen. They have been great partners helping us make this happen. A lot of hard work and navigating the complexities of the election and federal grant cuts, this is a big win for our community and a lot of thought went behind it to get these chargers placed in downtowns in close proximity to small businesses so that EV users would be close to downtown shopping and dining which would increase visitor expenditures.
"Our region will also now show up on EV gps maps, so in the past, EV users would pass right by our communities as all of our surrounding localities had these chargers and we did not. Now they will stop in our communities to charge up and spend money with our small businesses. This will increase tourism expenditures while supporting local small businesses, and this is why I chose it as my community impact project." |  | A section of the sidewalk adjoining the town hall had to be removed to make room for the new EV charging station.
|
|
