Agenda Item
ii. Approval of Grant Funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Program (Not to exceed $20,319,250)
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education accept the grant funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, in the amount of $20,319,250.
Why: The EPA Grant agreement allows for the replacement of old diesel buses with zero emission school buses and accompanying fast charging infrastructure in non-attainment/ low or poor air quality areas.
Details: Approval of the grant will allow the future purchase of zero emission buses and charging stations in non-attainment/ low or poor air quality areas, which include:
Cities: Stone Mountain, Tucker, Redan, Lithonia, Decatur
Zip Codes: 30083, 30084, 30032, 30034, 30035, 30038, 30058, 30087, 30074
Our community will benefit with improved air quality, and reduced energy waste, costs for fuel, and dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to a more sustainable energy system. To increase the public’s awareness of zero emission buses and infrastructure, we will educate and engage our stakeholders with bi-annual demonstration events, annual public town hall meetings, and through partnerships with local community-based organizations.
Financial impact: EPA agrees to cost share 100% of all approved budget period costs incurred, up to and not exceeding total federal funding of $20,139,250.
Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.676.0409
Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations, 678.676.1447
Mr. Raymond Stanley, Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet, Division of Operations, 678.676.1395
Mr. Bernando Brown, Director of Transportation, Division of Operations, 678.676.1305
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Chronology of the Agenda Item
Environmental Protection Agency - Grant Award
Clean School Bus Grant 2004
Purpose: Replacement of 50 diesel school buses with 50 Zero Emissions
(ZE) school buses and 50 charging station infrastructure.
Grant Award: $20,319,250.00
Grant funds will be accessible as a reimbursable drawdown after incurring
allowable costs through the Purchase Order process.
Grant Period:
• Budget Period: 4/1/2024 – 3/31/2026
• Date of Award: 8/13/2024
Details:
The Operations Division was notified of an opportunity to apply for an
Environmental Protection Agency Grant under the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act bill. The purpose of this project is to reduce the percentage of
carbon emissions, reduce the amount of diesel exhaust released into our
atmosphere, achieve fuel savings and to overall improve our air quality. The
intended beneficiaries include Dekalb County School district, serving over
90,000 students and the local Dekalb communities.