Butler street gets a jolt

A high power Level 1 electric vehicle charging unit was installed at the Butler Street parking lot last week, and on Tuesday, the Wahkiakum County PUD completed it’s portion of the hookup.

“It’s electrified,” Cathlamet Mayor David Olson said happily.

The contractor will return in coming days to complete the final stages of installation, and put the unit through it’s paces, Olson said, before setting up the payment platform for the system.

It should be ready for use during the final week of October.

According to Olson, this is the only Level 1 EV charging unit available the entire length of SR 4, and it’s capable of charging most vehicles in 30 minutes or less.

“This installation is timely as more and more electric vehicles populate the roads and as the entire auto industry is retooling,” Olson said.

The Town of Cathlamet received a grant for the project, totaling more than $100,000 from the Washington Department of Commerce.

The final design elements for the Butler lot, including a welcome kiosk, landscaping, and provision for WiFi connectivity await Council action in the current budget process, Olson said.

A ribbon cutting is planned.