MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh village board members last Monday agreed to apply for a New York State Department Department of Environmental Conservation grant for electric vehicle charging stations in the village.

The grant application is due on February 27.  There would be a 10 percent local match if the village is successful in securing the grant. The proposal was discussed by the village grants committee in November and January  and has been discussed by the village board. The maximum grant amount is capped at $125,000. The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District will submit the grant.

The village received a quote from Eastern Energy Solutions for the installation of two charging stations at a total project cost of $12,968.12. The project is also eligible for National Grid for "Make Ready Project" grant funding.

If approved, the EV recharging station will be placed by the Depot at the corner of Wells and Maple avenues. Officials said the location  is close enough for motorists to walk downtown to shop or eat while their vehicle is charging. Other areas were considered but some had to be dismissed because they were in the floodplain.

Board members were in favor of pursuing the grant.

Trustee Bob Tinker said the charging stations are "one more thing to get people to stop in the village and that's what we're trying to do."

In December, Village attorney Fred Mauhs noted that when drivers of EV vehicles get off the Thruway onto Route 145 in Catskill, it is "a desert" for charging stations.

The state is providing $5 million for charging stations. The stations would be level 3 providing quicker charges. It would cost the village about $800 a year for electricity and other requirements. The village would have to maintain the stations for at least 10 years.

Middleburgh fire Chief Jerry Wayman said he did not want to see the chargers placed by a building or in a floodplain for safety purposes.