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PAGE 6 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN September 2, 2021

WAYNE - WESTLAND
WAYNE - WESTLAND

‘Go’ing green

Westland joins electric vehicle program

The City of Westland is looking toward vehicle is expected to take place in early
a greener future. 2022.
While Westland has already begun pro- President Joe Biden recently set a new
moting the shift to greener transportation, national target for the adoption of electric
having approved the installation of four vehicles, calling for them to represent 40
electric vehicle charging stations on city- to 50 percent of all new auto sales by 2030.
owned property in April, officials have “We are very pleased to have one of
now agreed to work with AAW Michigan's most respected mayors and
Infrastructure Partners, L3C to launch an current President of the Michigan
innovative program designed to give the Municipal League recognize the value of
city the means to purchase electric vehi- our program,” commented Thomas
cles (EVs) and charging stations. Wither, CEO of AAW Infrastructure
AAW raises funds through “hybrid” Partners, L3C. “Mayor Wild has proven to
advertising-sponsorship arrangements be a tireless champion for the City's busi-
with businesses, organizations and indi- ness community and in addition to helping
viduals, and applies those funds to energy- Westland, seamlessly, transition to new
efficient projects that save money for electric vehicles and charging stations, we
cities. In turn, AAW promotes the advertis- look forward to helping him support local
ers-sponsors, encouraging customer traffic businesses.”
and sales. Westland officials approved an EV- BUSting
AAW representatives also encourage mobility and Economic Stimulus Program
advertisers-sponsors to take advantage of Memorandum of Understanding (MOI) with Learning
complimentary energy assessments from with AAW Infrastructure Partners, L3C.
DTE Energy to help businesses reduce The program, which has no cost to the city, Each year hundreds of young
their energy costs and save money. The promotes the acquisition of electric vehi- children disconnect in the sum-
Royal Oak-based AAW Infrastructure cles by having overages paid for directly by mer, making it much harder in the
Partners, L3C calls its project the EV- the organization. Historically, electric fall to succeed academically. To
Mobility and Economic Stimulus program. vehicles are more expensive than stan- keep students learning, Wayne-
President Joe Biden recently set a new dard models, and as part of the agreement, Westland Community Schools
national target for the adoption of electric AAW will pay cities the difference of these loaded up schoolbuses to bring
BUSting with Learning to neigh-
vehicles, calling for them to represent 40 more expensive vehicles as an incentive to borhoods. This initiative, in the
to 50 percent of all new auto sales by 2030. begin updating fleets to electric options, second year, provided free litera-
In response, the Westland where applicable. cy resources to kindergarten
proposed 2021-22 budget includes fund- “I am extremely optimistic about a through third-grade students in
ing for the purchase of a Ford all electric more sustainable future when I see lead- the community. “Literacy is the
F-150 Lightning for the Westland Police ership from both the public and private catalyst for all learning. This
Department to utilize as a community sector working on greener transportation important initiative helps reinforce
police vehicle. Westland will purchase the alternatives in conjunction with one literacy in the next generation and
new Lightning from Westland based, another,” commented Mayor William R. bridge early literacy gaps,”said
North Brothers Ford. Delivery of the new Wild. Wayne-Westland Community
Schools Superintendent John
Rotary donates $10,200 to fire victims Dignan. Throughout the summer,
district staff and school buses vis-
Members of the Westland Rotary Club paign. The club allocated $200 for a spe- ited elementary schools in the
neighborhoods. Students and
lived up to the club motto, "Service Above cific family displaced by the blaze and families picked up books, school
Self" recently when they donated $10,200 $10,000 went to the GoFund me page, supplies and materials while hav-
toward the displaced residents of the https://www.gofundme.com/.../displaced- ing a little fun with games and
recent fire at Westwood Apartments. westwood-village... that was established activities. Buses also cruised
The club members made the donation by the Westland Fire and Rescue through the community, distribut-
through the efforts of Westland Fire Department to aid the victims of the ing books to children.
Administration - Public Awareness cam- blaze.