WASHINGTON, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce announced $37.3 million to expand electric vehicle charging across the state, including new projects in Yakima County and Benton County.

Commerce said the grants went to 43 organizations for 104 projects that are expected to add 754 charging ports by late 2027. The agency said the program focused heavily on rural communities, tribal nations, multifamily housing and places where private investment has been limited.

In the Yakima and Tri-Cities area, the award list included projects in Prosser, Yakima, Kennewick, Wapato and Toppenish. 

Recipients listed by the state included Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. in Prosser, Energy Northwest in Yakima, Clean and Prosperous Institute in Yakima, R&R Associate LLC in Kennewick, Tesla, Inc. in Kennewick, Wolf Den, Inc. in Wapato and Yakamart, Inc. in Toppenish. 

The state said local projects ranged from two chargers to six chargers each. Award amounts in the local list ranged from $300,000 to $900,000.