Project Overview
This two-phase project installs electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Bellingham to improve the availability of EV charging and help Bellingham make progress on its climate action goals.
In total, this project will install 90 new EV plugs at 26 different locations across Bellingham on City-owned properties and public rights-of-way near destinations, workplaces, and multifamily residential areas. The project includes standard Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers, and solar-powered chargers. Existing parking stalls will be converted to electric vehicle charging only stalls.
Phase 1 of this project (EF154) finished construction in 2023 and added six charging stations. Phase 2 (ES567) began construction in Spring 2024 and will add 20 charging stations.
Project Status – Fall 2024
Most recently, chargers were installed at the downtown and Cordata WTA Stations, in the Barkley neighborhood on Rimland, in front of the Pacific Street Operations Center on Carolina Street, at Boulevard Park, at Bloedel Donovan Park, and in a City employee parking lot downtown. We are working on connecting these chargers to the grid and making them operational.
In August, new charging units were installed in the Police Station parking lot, Post Point parking lot, and at the downtown waterfront on Laurel Street. Charging plugs were also added to Squalicum Creek Park next to the solar charger that was installed in the spring, which is now connected to the grid and can operate 24/7. This is in addition to chargers installed at Sunset Pond Park, Depot Market Square, and in the City employee parking lot on Grand Avenue earlier this summer.
Phase 2 of the project began in Spring 2024, starting with the installation of four solar chargers at Civic Field, Squalicum Creek Park, Cordata Park, and Lake Padden Park. Phase 2 construction is expected to continue through December 2024. Construction impacts should be minimal. See Phase 2 Charging Stations Locations map.
Phase 1 construction wrapped up in 2023 and installed charging stations at Taylor Dock, Shuksan Meadows, Fairhaven Park, City Hall, Cornwall Park, and the Federal Building downtown. See Phase 1 Charging Stations Locations map.
More Information
Phase 1 Stations – Construction complete in 2023
| Station Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Shuksan Meadows | Installed, Active |
| Taylor Dock | Installed, Active |
| Fairhaven Park | Installed, Active |
| City Hall (City use only) | Installed, Active |
| Federal Building (104 W Magnolia) | Installed, Active |
| Cornwall Park | Installed, Active |
Phase 2 Stations – Construction began in Spring 2024
| Station Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Civic Field (solar) | Installed, Active |
| Squalicum Creek Park (solar and non-solar) | Installed, Active |
| Cordata Park Phase 2 (solar) | Installed, Active |
| Lake Padden Park (solar) | Installed, Active |
| WTA Station – Downtown | Installed |
| Depot Market | Installed, Active |
| Fairhaven Village Green | |
| City Operations Building on Carolina Street | Installed |
| Fire Station #1 (City use only) | Installed, Active |
| Police Station | Installed, Active |
| Post Point | Installed, Active |
| WTA Station – Cordata | Installed |
| Harris Avenue | |
| Barkley – Rimland Right-of-Way | Installed |
| Sunset Pond Park | Installed, Active |
| Bloedel Donovan Park | Installed |
| Laurel Street – Downtown Waterfront | Installed, Active |
| Boulevard Park | Installed |
| Parking Pit (City use only) | Installed, Active |
| Employee Parking Lot (City use only) | Installed |
In early 2021, the City of Bellingham received a $1.5 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to be used towards installing new EV infrastructure across Bellingham. The City is contributing additional funds from its voter-approved Transportation Fund, bringing the total investment to more than $4 million.
- March 25, 2024 – City Council awarded the construction contract for Phase 2 to Summit Construction Group, Inc.
- October 24, 2022 – City staff presented a proposed ordinance and resolution to City Council regarding electric vehicle charging rates at City-owned charging stations. Presentation recording begins at 1:08:10.
- November 21, 2022 – City Council approved actions to establish a legal framework for City-owned electric vehicle charging stations and update EV charging rates.
Contact
Freeman Anthony, P.E.
Phone: (360) 778-7924
Email: fanthony@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org
