New EV Charging Stations Added in Atlanta

[August 21, 2023]    Travelers driving electric cars through central Illinois can take advantage of the two new Level-2 EV charging stations recently installed in Atlanta. The new charging stations replace a single outdated Level 2 EV charging station installed in 2014. At the time, Atlanta’s Level 2 EV charging station was one of the first in Central Illinois.

The Logan County Economic Development Partnership and the City of Atlanta collaborated on what they termed The Electric Vehicle Tourism Enhancement Project [EVTEP], to secure a $5,500 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity [DCEO] grant to fund the city’s new charging stations. The City was able to use existing electric service to install the two new chargers.

Atlanta’s EVTEP project was awarded the full-cost grant because it aligned with DCEO efforts to attract and support EV drivers travelling Illinois Route 66 in search of places to eat, shop, experience, and discover the state’s many tourism attractions. Atlanta’s Electric Vehicle Tourism Enhancement Project was part of a larger grant application submitted by the Logan County Tourism Bureau.

Atlanta’s two new Level 2 chargers are located in the City’s downtown municipal parking lot. The lot is adjacent to Route 66 and provides parking for Atlanta’s Route 66 businesses and attractions, including the Arch Street Artisans Shop, Missy’s Sweet Shop at the Palms Grill Café, the Bunyon Giant statue, The Atlanta Coal Mining Company Historical Mine, The Sip Shack, The Atlanta Museum, Chubby’s Bar, The J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, The J.P. Hieronymus Carriage House Exhibit, and the American Giants Museum/Welcome Center – a wide variety of places for travelers to visit, shop, and eat while charging their vehicle.

The mission of the Logan County Economic Development Partnership is to cultivate a business environment that enhances Logan County by expanding our local and regional economy through programs that sustain and grow existing businesses, attract and establish new businesses, and increase quality employment opportunities.

[Bill Thomas]