Staff Report / August 6, 2026
ALBANY – Three Finger Lakes municipalities are set to expand their green fleets and public charging capacity following a state grant announcement aimed at reducing municipal emissions and fuel costs.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced $4 million in statewide funding awarded through its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate and ZEV Infrastructure programs. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted that the funding makes it more affordable for local governments to transition away from fossil fuels while cutting ongoing operational expenses.
Key local awards and statewide funding highlights include:
- Local ZEV Vehicle Grants: Tompkins County will receive $22,500 to assist with the purchase or lease of three battery-electric vehicles, while the Town of Victor was awarded $7,500 for one electric vehicle.
- Local Charging Infrastructure: The Village of Naples was awarded $18,490 to install four public Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports.
- Statewide Vehicle Funding: Across New York, over $400,000 is being distributed to 14 municipalities to support the acquisition of 55 battery-electric vehicles.
- Statewide Charging Expansion: An additional $3.6 million in infrastructure grants will fund 74 Level 2 charging ports and 24 fast chargers across 23 municipalities.
- Program History: Since launching in 2016, the ZEV Rebate Program has awarded over $2.25 million for nearly 400 vehicles, while the infrastructure program has invested over $23 million to build out nearly 1,300 Level 2 ports and 99 fast chargers statewide.
