Travel stop gets $1.7M for EV stations

MILAN TWP. — A local travel stop is getting funds to install new electric vehicle charging stations. Love's Travel Stop, on U.S. 250 near the Ohio Turnpike exit, is getting about $1.7 million for the task. About $804,000 of that comes from the Ohio Department of Transportation via the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, with the remainder funded by Love's. The grant award to Love's represents one of 64 locations selected throughout Ohio and an overall $51 million grant award from the state. "Every dollar invested in Ohio strengthens economic opportunity, from construction to long-term operation," Ohio Department of Transportation director Pamela Boratyn said. "Backed by Ohio's strong automotive and manufacturing sector, these projects position our communities to compete and grow for decades to come while expanding transportation options for Ohioans." The state transportation department said the EV stations should start construction next year, with many projects likely completed by the end of 2027. The state agency said there are more than 126,000 electric vehicles registered in Ohio, and that number continues to grow with each passing year.