Oakesdale — The Port of Whitman County signed a contract with the Washington State Department of Ecology for a $40,000 “Charge Where You Are” grant. The grant will fund the installation of electric vehicle chargers at the Port’s Oakesdale Mill Site. 

The Port plans to install two dual port EV charging stations. The dual ports will allow for four total spots to charge an electric vehicle, two at each charger. Level 2 charging stations can bring an electric vehicle to full charge in four to ten hours. The chargers will be available to the public for a fee. 

With electric vehicles growing in popularity, accessible charging stations are more in demand than ever. The two EV charging stations at the Oakesdale Mill Site will increase access to EV chargers on the Palouse and along State Highway 27, which serves as a main thoroughfare between Pullman and Spokane Valley. 

“The Port is grateful for this funding through ‘Charge Where You Are,’” Port Commission President Kristine Meyer said. “This grant enables us to build necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles. The Port is excited to provide chargers in the Oakesdale area and to make travel on State Highway 27 more accessible.” 

The “Charge Where You Are” funding is part of the Washington State Volkswagen Federal Settlement Grant Program. Washington will receive $141 million from Volkswagen for violations of the state and federal Clean Air Acts. The money from the settlement can go towards a variety of projects in the clean energy space including charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Washington State Law now requires new construction to include electric vehicle chargers onsite.

The Port anticipates the electric vehicle chargers will be installed and operational by summer 2026.

About the Oakesdale Mill Project

The Oakesdale Mill is a 134-year-old historic flour mill located in the town of Oakesdale. It is the last of 19 original mills in Whitman County. In 2024, the Innova Foundation transferred ownership of the mill to the Port of Whitman County. The Port is currently conducting studies to assess the mill’s suitability for economic development and to explore future uses for the space. The Port is seeking funding support from multiple sources. Given the due diligence required for a project of this magnitude, the Port anticipates that completion of the project will take several years. 

About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities. For more information about Port properties and ongoing projects visit the Port website, www.portwhitman.com.