MONTROSE, Colo A new addition to Montrose's downtown area is a sign of a greener future for both the environment and economy.

The city now has an electric vehicle charging station for the public to use for free near Centennial Plaza.

Montrose was seeing demand for the charging station from traveling tourists and out-of-town shoppers. City employees realized it could be another way to draw people into Montrose's downtown for a few hours while they charge up.

"It'll get folks stopping here," said Virgil Turner, of the city of Montrose. "They'll have 3-4 hours to kill and we hope that they'll go shopping and eat in our restaurants and visit our beautiful town."

Montrose received a grant from the Colorado Energy Office for 80% of the $4,000 project.