San Rafael has approved $988,000 to bring high-speed charging for electric vehicles to its public works yard on the east side of the city.

The City Council unanimously authorized the project, which includes a purchase agreement with Sourcewell, on Monday. The project involves installing a tower and eight charging stations at 111 Morphew St. by the end of June.

“The climate action plan, the city strategic plan and the advanced clean fleets regulations, all those point to we want to move in the direction of EV charging and usage,” said Jonathan Schellin, deputy director of public works.

Schellin said the chargers will be for city use only, but there are plans under development to expand chargers for public use.

City Manager Paul Navazio said phase two of the project would involve the potential for chargers at City Hall and the public safety building.

“It’s so refreshing having a project that is actually prepared for like sea-level rise,” Llorens Gulati said, calling the project “a no-brainer.”

Vice Mayor Rachel Kertz thanked staff for tracking down grants to improve the project.

“It’s hard to find that money and it’s very competitive,” Kertz said. “This is a great update and we’re looking forward to really seeing out the full implementation.”

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