The U.S. EPA announced school districts, school bus contractors, state and local governments, and tribal governments can now apply for their share of an expected $7.25 million to replace older diesel school buses or for retrofit projects.
Most the funds, over 85 percent, are earmarked for new school bus purchases to replace older vehicles. School bus operators can apply for up to $20,000 per school bus for replacements. The remaining money, a total of up to $1 million, is for retrofit projects, with student transporters eligible to receive up to $6,000 per vehicle.
The application period opened on Thursday with a submission deadline of Nov. 14. EPA said awardees are expected to be announced sometime in January. Purchase orders for new school buses and retrofit projects would be due 90 days after selection.
EPA added that awardees will receive the rebate payment one month after the estimated September 2018 due date for submitting payment documentation proving the delivery of new buses, the installation of retrofits due and the scrappage of retired buses.
A webinar for applicants is scheduled for Oct. 5.
EPA has awarded approximately $11.824 million in school bus rebate funds since 2012 that has resulted in over 600 cleaner school buses on the road. A list of all rebate recipients by year and state is available in the EPA Clean Diesel Rebate website.
