TIFTON — With the City of Tifton fully on board, the possibility of downtown electric vehicle charging stations are one step closer to reality.

The Tifton City Council authorized City Manager Pete Pyrzenski to finalize the agreement with Georgia Power for the installment of charging stations in the downtown area. 

Active discussion over this project has occurred at council meetings throughout the summer. At the Aug. 1 council meeting, Jonathan Taylor, IT director, said Georgia Power had requested a status update on city interest in the project.

Taylor said funds were being held for Tifton but the city must express its interest or Georgia Power would move on.

The power company will contribute all underground infrastructure but the city would be expected to supply the charging pedestals.

Pyrzenski said these assets would cost the city about $16,000, which would put the city at budget neutral. Revenue from the stations would likely provide further funding to the city.

The city moved to inform Georgia Power of its investment in the project during the Aug. 15 meeting, clarifying that the city is interested and committed, but needs to iron out a few final issues. Installation of the underground infrastructure, once it begins, is expected to be a multiple month process.