The state of Washington announced $12 million in funding to build a network of electric vehicle charging stations. The move became possible after a court victory in a dispute with the administration of former President Donald Trump, which had sought to block these Congress-approved funds. The awarded grants will help fill key gaps in the state's charging infrastructure.
The funds will finance 14 new stations with 96 charging ports. They will be located along major highways, including Interstate 90 and federal routes 97, 195 and 395, serving towns such as Ellensburg, Moses Lake, Pullman and Colville. Five private companies will handle installation and maintenance of the stations, which are expected to be operational within the next two years.
The funding is part of a larger $71.2 million allocation to Washington under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. However, in February 2025 the Trump administration notified states of its decision to rescind approved plans and freeze the funds. That prompted Washington to pause accepting applications from companies.
In response, Washington Attorney General Nic Brown, joined by counterparts from 13 other states, sued the federal government, arguing the funds had been withheld unlawfully. A federal judge in Seattle, which hosts a U.S. district court with jurisdiction over the western part of the state, sided with the states. He ruled that the Trump administration had violated the law and ordered the funding restored. The court also barred the U.S. Department of Transportation from interfering with the allocation of these funds in the future. Cases like this against the federal administration are often heard in major regional centers such as Seattle, rather than necessarily in the nation’s capital.
The project's implementation will significantly improve EV travel options across the state. Meanwhile, the Washington Department of Transportation is already preparing for a second round of funding to expand charging infrastructure along other key corridors. Priority will be Interstate 5, the state's main transportation artery that connects the largest cities (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia) with neighboring states and Canada. Its development is critical for the economy, freight movement and residents’ daily commutes, and federal funding will help modernize infrastructure and support regional economic growth.
Based on: WA awards $12 million for 96 EV chargers after tussle with Trump administration