Regional electric vehicle collaboration will begin in NE Iowa

A newly-formed regional partnership will accelerate the economic and environmental benefits from the transition to electric vehicles in NE Iowa. Winneshiek Energy District and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission have teamed up with Northeast Iowa Community College, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development, and Luther College economist Steven Holland to form the partnership. The Iowa Energy Center is providing significant grant money to support the two-year project. "There is tremendous opportunity for employers to offer relatively low-cost charging to employees at the workplace," says WED Executive Director Andy Johnson. "Many rural commuters could save well over $500/year in fuel by driving electric, and the climate impacts are significantly less than gasoline," he adds. Upper Explorerland will be conducting a regional EV infrastructure and corridor planning study, as well as facilitating a regional workgroup that brings together economic development, energy district, and other local leadership from throughout the five-county project area. Upper Explorerland Regional Planner Michelle Barness says, "There is growing interest in EVs and the potential benefits they provide, and early, joint efforts to plan and coordinate around this issue opens doors for acting on funding opportunities, partner projects, and more. Every community can prosper from the transition to EVs when we work together." Northeast Iowa Community College plans to identify and train relevant faculty, conduct curriculum development for continuing ed programs for the existing workforce, including mechanics, dealers, city/code officials, first responders, fleet managers, electricians, and conduct curriculum development for existing and potentially new two-year degree programs. Resource Conservation and Development will conduct a study focused on the tourism needs and opportunities presented by the transition to electric transportation. Tourism is an important part of northeast Iowa's economy. The study will work on ways to develop infrastructure to support EV travelers. Finally, Luther College economist Steve Holland will be conducting an economic impact analysis of the region's transition towards electric vehicles. Holland has conducted regional analyses in the past, such as for local food systems.