NEVI Award Brings New Fast Charging Hub to Forest County
On October 4th, 2024, the Potawatomi Ventures (PV) Emerging Technologies team finalized a contract with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, granting the Forest County Potawatomi Community (FCPC) the distinction of being the first Native American Tribe in the United States to receive a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant for a project on trust land. “The NEVI grant creates focus on energy solutions that maximize Native-owned advantage, diversify the tribal economy, and help create prosperity,” said PV Energy Director Andy Byrne.
In mid-2025, the project will install four 160kW DC fast charging ports at the fireside MARKET in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, along the Highway 8 Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC), representing the only charging location of its kind in Forest County. The NEVI award highlights FCPC’s ongoing commitment to modern energy investments and creating value for community members as well as EV drivers traveling through Forest County.
This initiative not only underscores the FCPC's investment in sustainable practices but also sets a precedent for other tribal communities seeking to enhance their infrastructure. This project also aligns with broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions by greening the FCPC vehicle fleet, which widens the path for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
Purpose of the NEVI Grant:
The NEVI Grant Program aims to create a comprehensive network of EV chargers to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles. This funding is intended to support the installation of non-proprietary, publicly accessible EV chargers along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) and other strategic locations to enhance the reliability and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure.
