First 'Smart Cities' Grant-Enabled Hardware Online in Columbus

Columbus has spent the first year since its selection as the $50 million Smart Cities Challenge grant recipient devoted to planning and research. The grant has also proven a very enticing fundraising tool.

1 minute read

September 8, 2017, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Electric Car Charging

Frank Gaertner / Shutterstock

"Solar-powered electric vehicle and device charging stations – free to the public – fired up Wednesday at Ohio Dominican University in the first equipment installed under Smart Columbus," reports Carrie Ghose.

"DC Solar Freedom Inc. donated $3.6 million in solar equipment to the campus on the east side of Columbus, and is seeking sites for similar stations including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and other colleges," adds Ghose.

The donation by DC Solar Freedom is only one example of private investment and donations to arrive in Columbus since it was selected for the Smart Cities Challenge grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation—so far the city has raked in $500 million.

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