The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released $88.2 million for diesel emissions reduction projects to environmental agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the agency announced.
The funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 were equally divided, with each state getting $1.73 million. Funds can be used for retrofit and replacement and idle reduction grants and loans to school districts, local governments, businesses and truck owners and operators.
Some states have already committed this funding specifically to school bus projects. Hawaii announced it would replace many of the oldest diesel buses in operation and retrofit up to 400 school buses. California, Illinois, Nevada and Ohio also said the funds would go to existing and new clean school bus programs.
Those interested in applying for these grants can contact their state environmental or air quality agency.
School districts, local governments, states, tribal agencies and non-profits can also compete for a separate $206 million in national funding for similar projects. Applications for these federal grants are due on April 28. Question can be submitted via email to the EPA through April 17. The agency will post its final FAQs on the grant funds on April 22.
