WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- Inauguration events marking the expansion of the West Coast Electric Highway are taking place in three local cities today.

With the opening of three electric vehicle charging stations in Bellingham, Blaine and Burlington the electric highway now extends from Oregon through Washington to the border of Canada.

There will be ribbon-cutting events at the Custer Southbound Safety Rest Area in Blaine at 9:30 a.m., at the Sehome Village Shopping Center in Bellingham at 11 a.m. and at the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington at 1 p.m.

Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation Paula Hammond will be at the Bellingham ceremony along with local officials, E.V. enthusiasts and local business people to provide brief remarks about the west coast electric highway and its expected impact on E.V. driving.