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Is there any federal stimulus funding available for school transportation?
The funding most directly associated with school transportation is through the National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The NCDC is provided with a total of $300 million nationally. The NCDC is splitting that amount up with $210 million going to the EPA (Clean Diesel Collaborative) regions and $90 million between the individual states. The West Coast Collaborative (which includes Washington) share of the $210 million is $18 million. Of the $90 million going directly to the states, Washington’s share is $1.7 million. The Department of Ecology will oversee the distribution of Washington’s $1.7 million. While school transportation is eligible for this funding, the funding is not restricted to school transportation. The target is the reduction of diesel emissions and the grants from any source.
What types of grant requests are expected to be eligible through the West Coast Collaborative?
The focus is on reduction of diesel emissions. The regional approach is to fund large grants in the $1 million to $5 million range … and could potentially fund up to 50% the cost of new buses. Because WA has retrofit all qualifying school buses with state funds, it is not likely that a school district would be able to request a retrofit program. Again, the competition for the grant funds will include other sectors besides school transportation.
What types of grants will be funded through the Department of Ecology’s $1.7 million?
The details of the Department of Ecology program for the distribution of the state’s portion is still being developed but some of it will target assisting school districts to replace old buses in the poorest school districts (as measured by the number of free and reduced lunch students). This program would not require delivery of the bus prior to June 30, 2009, however. They would also accept proposals for retrofits, engine replacement or repowering. There will be more information available later on scoring matrix for grant applications.
When are applications for the EPA grants due?
EPA grants applications are due April 28, 2009.
Can our school district apply for both EPA and Washington
Department of Ecology funding?
Yes, you can apply for funding under both grant programs. However, you may not
use funds obtained from one grant to use as matching funds for the other
program.
I understand that the funds are to replace an existing older bus with a new,
cleaner bus. Do I have to replace the bus with one of the same size?
The replacement bus must have a similar GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) to
the existing bus being replaced.
Our school district ordered buses in February and will take delivery in August.
Can we apply for funds to help offset the cost of this purchase?
No, buses already ordered are not eligible for funding.
I understand that there are two different amounts available, either 25 percent
or 50 percent of the cost of the bus. How do I know which I can apply for?
The 25 or 50 percent funding is based on what emission standards the bus engine
meets. If the engine meets 2007 emission standards, the grant can be up to 25%
of the cost of the bus. If the engine meets 2010 emission standards, the grant
can be up to 50% of the cost of the bus. You should contact your school bus
vendor to identify what emission standard engines they have available.
Typically, most diesel engine buses are only meeting the 2007 standards. In
order to qualify for the 50% funding level, you are likely going to have to
purchase an alternative fuel powered bus (such as propane or compressed natural
gas).
Our district has some older gasoline powered buses. Can we use grant funds to
replace these older buses with new diesel powered buses?
No. The funding is targeted to eliminate older diesel powered vehicles.
Where do I get more information for the EPA Clean Diesel Collaborative Region’s grant program?
West Coast Collaborative and
EPA.
Who should we contact at Department of Ecology for more information?
Carrol A. Johnston
Diesel Coordinator
Air Quality Program
Department of Ecology
(360) 407-656
carr461@ecy.wa.gov
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