UERPC Honored for Forward-Thinking EV Infrastructure Plan

We cover Decorah because we love it. Show your love back — donate today. DECORAH — The Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) has received a 2026 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its electric vehicle infrastructure planning project in Northeast Iowa. The project, "Charging Up Rural Iowa: EV and Charging Infrastructure Planning in Northeast Iowa," was recognized for transportation planning work in rural Iowa. NADO is a Washington-based association that promotes programs and policies to strengthen local governments, communities and economies through regional cooperation and program delivery. The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards recognize projects in rural and small metropolitan transportation planning, program delivery and related initiatives. Award winners will be recognized at the 2026 National Regional Transportation Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, July 20-22. "The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards program showcases transportation initiatives that improve accessibility, mobility, safety and quality of life in regions around the United States," said NADO President Rick Hunsaker. "Programs and projects like UERPC's regional EV infrastructure and workforce planning effort foster community and economic connections and promote effective transportation networks." Under the leadership of Senior Regional Planner Michelle Barness, UERPC worked with local governments, utilities, educational institutions, economic development organizations, tourism stakeholders and community leaders on the project. The effort focused on preparing rural communities for increased electric vehicle adoption. Partners included the Winneshiek Energy District, Northeast Iowa Community College, Luther College and Northeast Iowa RC&D. The project included transportation planning, workforce development, public education, economic analysis, tourism research and technical assistance. It also included creation of a regional EV workgroup, public engagement events, support for charging station deployment and EV workforce training. UERPC produced the Northeast Iowa Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Plan, along with a recorded webinar by Barness for the Iowa chapter of the American Planning Association, available on UERPC's website. The project was developed through UERPC's role as the regional transportation planning organization for Northeast Iowa, serving Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. The effort addressed planning for electric vehicle infrastructure and transportation changes in the region. It outlines strategies related to charging access, economic development, tourism and transportation costs. UERPC reported that charging infrastructure in Northeast Iowa increased during the course of the project. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.