Arrowhead Cooperative has turned their “faucet of philanthropy” up another notch. (read News-Herald 9/14 page A9)
Besides all their typical feel good handouts, they are now installing electric vehicle charging stations at $10,000 to $15,000 a pop. Partnering with Great River Energy, the City of Grand Marais and SEF Energy, these charging stations will be free to all comers…nonmembers, tourists and even our Canadian neighbors! These costs will no doubt be passed on to Arrowhead Cooperative members. Expect your $48/month service fee to take another jump soon.
You have to wonder when electric vehicles begin to number one out of every five vehicles on the road…will we still be subsidizing this poorly conceived venture? Could metering the charging stations be that difficult? How will they encourage users to move on in a timely manner after charging is complete?
With parking issues the City of Grand Marais is currently sorting out, how many spots will be devoted to free tourist charge-station parking? And they certainly would not want to place them in an inconvenient location discouraging easy access to shopping and dining, now would they? Anyone can enjoy free prime parking 24-7 if they own an electric vehicle.
Yes…we have a local economy based on tourism…but why should the cost of tourist amenities always come from the pockets of residents? The businesses that want charging stations at their location, which will benefit their customers, perhaps should pick up the installation costs and electric power expense themselves.
At the very least…Arrowhead Cooperative should send complimentary vouchers to its members for an occasional free-fill at a local gas station.
Seems fair to me.
Bob LaMettry
Arrowhead Cooperative member
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