Energize Delaware grants $20,000 to Delaware Department of Transportation for electric landscaping equipment, part of the Energize Delaware’s Electric Lawncare Pilot Program.
The electric lawn equipment will be used for the Smyrna Rest Area. With this grant, DelDOT was able to purchase new electric landscaping equipment including a Zero Turn Mower, leaf blower, trimmer, and chainsaw.
“We are grateful to Energize Delaware for this grant that provided the funding for this electric landscaping equipment that will be utilized and evaluated by our employees at the Smyrna Rest Area,” Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski said. “In support of Governor Carney’s Climate Action Plan for the state, DelDOT continues to look for opportunities to utilize more environmentally friendly, less carbon intense equipment throughout the department, large and small, that will reduce emissions.”
The Smyrna Rest area was chosen for this Pilot Program as it is a controlled environment off busy roadways, yet encompasses over 70 acres, including restrooms, pavilions, picnic areas, playground, dog park, and visitor information center. This rest stop sees over 400,000 visitors each year.
“We know the future is electric. Energize Delaware created a pilot for DelDOT to present the future of electric lawn equipment and study the similarities and differences between gas and electric. Electric equipment reduces carbon emissions and noise, in addition to being quicker and allowing more areas to be mowed in the same amount of time,” Drew Slater, executive director of Energize Delaware, said. “We’re excited to see this pilot get started.”
The purchase of this equipment not only follows the goal in the state’s Climate Action Plan, but this purchase will also benefit the rest area.
