On March 15, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) awarded the Town of Indian Trail funding for two transportation-related projects – a Transportation Master Plan and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for the Town’s three parks.
Transportation Master Plan
The Town was awarded $150,000 for the Transportation Master Plan. The amount includes the required $30,000, or 20 percent match, from the Town. The Transportation Master Plan will be the first of its kind for Indian Trail and will provide a guiding document for the Town Council and Town staff to use when evaluating transportation needs and developing future plans.
“The Town of Indian Trail has experienced unprecedented growth over the last decade, which has increased traffic on our roadways,” said Todd Huntsinger, director of engineering. “As a result, transportation issues are a major concern for many of our residents. Having a Transportation Master Plan will allow the Town to take a more proactive stance on transportation improvements and help us make strategic decisions and prioritize project spending to meet the needs of our community.”
The development of the Transportation Master Plan will include public outreach and community involvement, evaluation of existing conditions, growth analysis, identification of proposed improvements across all modes of transportation, prioritization and recommendations, and cost analysis.
Funding for the project is expected in October of this year. Once the funding is received, the Town can begin plan development.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Additionally, the Town received $585,000 from CRTPO to install EV charging stations at Crooked Creek Park, Chestnut Square Park, and Crossing Paths Park. The Town is also responsible for 20 percent of the total project cost. The funds will cover the installation of at least two charging stations at each park, plus the infrastructure to add more charging stations in the future. The Type II chargers the Town plans to use can charge a vehicle from empty in approximately three to five hours. Users will be charged a convenience fee for the amount of charge they use.
Once the EV chargers are installed at the parks and the generators are installed at the Town Hall and Indian Trail Division of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Indian Trail will have EV chargers at all Town-owned facilities.
“While we are seeing an increase in the number of electric vehicles on the roads, there are still a limited number of public charging stations, especially in Union County,” said Adam McLamb, director of public works. “The funding from CRTPO allows us to provide another amenity for our residents. Having EV chargers at the Town Hall and other Town facilities will also allow us to actively look at adding electric vehicles to our fleet.”
Funding for the EV charges is also expected in October. The design for the project is complete. Once the funding is received, the Town can begin building the infrastructure and installing the charging stations.
“According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the number of electric vehicles in North Carolina increased 54 percent last year, with more than 50,000 of them on our roadways,” said Mayor David Cohn. “And that number is only expected to increase. The EV charging stations will allow the Town to consider the use of electric vehicles for its use while also providing a way for those visiting our community for events, tournaments, or other activities to be able to charge their vehicles while they’re here.”
About the Funding
CRTPO receives direct attributable funds, also known as discretionary funds or grants, to be allocated to member jurisdictions on a competitive basis. Project selection is guided by the CRTPO Board-approved Discretionary Fund Policy Guide, which prioritizes regional projects that will utilize federal funds. CRTPO opened its Call for Projects last August.
The Town will provide additional information on the Transportation Master Plan and EV charging stations as the projects move forward.