The City of Munising recently completed the installation of two FLO fast chargers at Munising City Hall, making sustainable travel easier for locals and visitors alike.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) and Upper Peninsula Power Co. (UPPCO), represents a significant step forward for eco-friendly infrastructure in the area.
The project was made possible through grant funding secured by the SWP via Michigan’s Charge Up program, with matching funds provided by the City of Munising and UPPCO.
According to Munising City Manager Devin Olson, the city was originally slated for one charger, but when plans for a charger at the Alger County Courthouse fell through, the additional unit was installed at City Hall. Olson said the city’s primary role was to provide the location, while SWP led the project from funding to installation.
“We’ve seen a sharp increase in demand for EV chargers over recent years,” Olson said. “With more people visiting and asking about charging stations, these FLO chargers now turn a regular parking lot into a destination.”
The chargers were installed with tourists and locals in mind. Katherine Reynolds, executive director of the Munising Downtown Development Authority (DDA), emphasized their potential to enhance downtown foot traffic.
“The chargers encourage EV owners who might have bypassed Munising due to lack of infrastructure to stop here,” Reynolds said. “Our hope is that they spend time and money in our community.” She also pointed out that the DDA has already received positive feedback from local businesses since the chargers became operational.
Carl Lindquist, executive director of the Superior Watershed Partnership, noted the impact of the chargers on the community and the environment. “This project fits perfectly into SWP’s broader initiatives around climate adaptation and clean energy,” Lindquist said.
“The FLO fast chargers not only support clean energy but also sustainable economic development. We’re proud to have secured the state funding for these important projects that benefit both residents and visitors.”
While locals may not need to rely on public chargers as much as tourists, they still see the benefits. Munising resident Roger Moore, who owns a plug-in hybrid, said that while he likely won’t use the chargers frequently, he believes they will be useful for visitors. “For someone traveling, parking at City Hall while their car charges is a great opportunity to explore downtown,” he said. “It’s like a ‘welcome’ sign.”
Fellow resident and EV driver Victoria Wus shared similar sentiments on the growing interest in electric vehicles in rural areas like Munising. “Some people want to consider an EV but are hesitant because of the lack of infrastructure,” she said. “The addition of these chargers is a step in the right direction.”
The SWP will monitor use of the chargers through the FLO network, which provides real-time data on the number of users and timing of use.
“We plan to use this data to make any necessary improvements and better implement similar projects throughout the Upper Peninsula,” Lindquist said. In addition, the SWP plans to incorporate the EV chargers into broader community education initiatives focused on climate adaptation and clean energy.
