In a major step toward a cleaner, greener future, the Village of Saranac Lake has been awarded $482,164 from New York State to install 30 new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in key municipal parking locations. The funding comes as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s $4.85 million grant announcement supporting EV infrastructure across New York municipalities.
Saranac Lake received the highest grant amount in the state, positioning itself as a regional leader in electric mobility.
“After the installation of these ports, the village of Saranac Lake will have the most municipally owned charging stations within the Adirondack Park,” said Katrina Glynn, the village’s Community Development Director.
Glynn, who co-authored the grant application with Nancy Bernstein from the Adirondack North Country Association, said the funding nearly reached the $500,000 maximum, allowing the village to significantly boost its EV accessibility.
“I’m pretty stoked,” Glynn said. “It’s a great resource for both residents with EVs and a big draw for tourists.”
The 30 new ports will be distributed across six key locations:
Eight ports at the old Sears lot on Main Street
Six ports at the Dorsey Street lot
Two ports at Berkeley Green
Two ports at the Rusty Nail
Six ports at Mount Pisgah
Six ports at Lake Colby
These universal Level 2, 220-volt chargers will support a range of EV models, including Teslas (with adapters), and are expected to deliver 10 to 60 miles of range per hour, with full charges taking between 4 to 10 hours depending on the vehicle.
Bernstein emphasized the chargers’ importance for both residents and travelers who depend on access to charging infrastructure.
“They’re not coming unless they can charge,” Bernstein said, referencing EV drivers from nearby metro areas like New York, Montreal, and Ottawa.
The current EV network in Saranac Lake is modest, with only two existing public ports. The new installations, expected to be completed next summer, will address the growing demand and support the region’s transition to low-emission transportation.
The grant — part of the state’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grants program — requires no local match and covers installation, equipment, and related upgrades. The initiative supports the state’s broader mission of reducing emissions and achieving a clean energy economy.
“My administration is committed to advancing the transition to a cleaner and healthier future for our environment,” said Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement.
New York, second only to California, now boasts over 280,000 EVs and more than 17,000 public charging stations, with plans to invest $3 billion in electrifying its transportation sector.
With this funding, Saranac Lake not only enhances its EV infrastructure but also sets a model for rural and park-adjacent communities across the state seeking sustainable growth and tourism.
