The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is giving student transporters more time to apply for grants funds to reduce school bus emissions.
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The EPA announced on Thursday that March 26 is the new deadline for submitting applications for the latest round of national clean diesel grants. The previous deadline was March 6.
An email sent to the EPA’s press office on Thursday afternoon sought to confirm the extension is in response to the partial shutdown of the federal government that ran from Dec. 22 through Jan. 25. School Transportation News had yet to hear back at this writing.
However, two informational webinars on the grant application process were rescheduled from mid-January to earlier this month.
Meanwhile, school buses lead the list of eligible vehicles and equipment that can tap into the approximately $40 million that is tied to the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. School districts and tribal governments are among the eligible applicants.
EPA officials said 40 to 80 projects are expected to receive funds for:
- New vehicle replacements
- Cleaner fuels and additives implementation or clean fuel conversions
- Engine retrofits and replacements
- Emissions retrofit
- Idle technology
- Aerodynamic and tire technology
EPA said March 15 is the deadline for submitting questions that will be answered as part of an online FAQ section. EPA also said that it now expects to notify selected grantees between April and May, with awards being distributed between June and October.
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