Dauphin, Cumberland & Perry Counties: Weigh In On EV Charger Locations

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Residents of Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties are being asked for their input on the placement of future electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) is currently seeking public feedback through a survey that will help determine where federally funded charging stations should be built across the region.

The initiative is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, designed to expand EV charging networks, initially focusing on major transportation corridors but now extending to community-based charging solutions. HATS officials say the program aims to strategically locate charging stations to best serve the needs of local drivers and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.

The public is invited to participate in an online survey, accessible through this link, which remains open until Saturday, February 28th. The survey consists of 13 questions and includes an interactive map where respondents can suggest potential locations for the new charging stations. Participants also have the opportunity to view suggestions made by others.

Andrew Bomberger, executive director of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, explained that the region is expected to receive between $3 million and $4 million in federal funding for these community charging stations. “We partner with PennDOT on these planning efforts,” Bomberger said. “Our charge is kind of to identify two things: priority communities and priority use cases.”

The survey is designed to gather insights into the most convenient and effective locations for EV chargers, considering factors such as accessibility, visibility, and proximity to key destinations. Officials emphasize that public input is crucial in ensuring that the charging infrastructure is strategically placed to maximize its impact and benefit the community.

Organizers estimate the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The collected data will be used to prioritize potential sites, including downtown areas, shopping centers, and event venues, ultimately guiding the deployment of federal infrastructure dollars.

This public engagement effort reflects a broader push to support the transition to electric vehicles and build a robust charging network that can accommodate the increasing number of EVs on the road. The Harrisburg Area Transportation Study encourages all residents of Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties to participate in the survey and contribute to shaping the future of EV infrastructure in the region.