The city of Amsterdam has welcomed a whole new set of electric vehicle charging stations this month, an excellent addition to the city and a smart investment in our future. As a part of the New York Power Authority and New York State Department of State’s “DRIve EV Downtown” program, Amsterdam was one of the first five cities to receive these high-speed chargers for emissions-free vehicles. As a civil engineer, I understand the wide array of benefits that come with integrating newer, cleaner technology into the framework of our city. Harnessing green technologies helps reduce our carbon footprint, boost public safety and improve the quality of life for the families and businesses that live here.I can’t think of a better location for this exciting infrastructure than here at the gateway to the great City of Amsterdam.

This EV charging station unveiled today builds on the many technological advances that have been integrated across Amsterdam. Just last week, Mayor Cinquanti and I announced a $1.1 million in grant funding to invest in LED lighting as well as additional funding for municipal software upgrades and GIS mapping technology.

The way we communicate, travel and go about our daily lives is rapidly changing, and it’s crucial that we set our community up for a prosperous future. I applaud all of those who helped make today possible and will continue to put my support behind local developments like this that enhance the city we call home.