Diesel Engine School Bus Retrofit Technology Workshop: Grants and Funding

1. Diesel Engine School Bus Retrofit Technology Workshop: Grants and Funding April 29, 2004 Carol A. Febbo U.S. EPA – Region3 215-814-2076

2. Clean School Bus USA Grants $5 million to EPA for CSB grants in 2003 and an additional $5 million is available for 2004. 2003: General McLean School District, Erie North Allegheny County School District, Pittsburgh $’s intended for projects that demonstrate a variety of approaches to reduce school bus emissions through retrofit or replacement Congress allocated the money.Congress allocated the money.

3. Clean School Bus USA Grants EPA has not solicited new applicants for 2004. Will select from applications received in 2003 (this was outlined in the grant solicitation). Pool includes 96 applications/requests totaling almost $55 million.

4. CSB Grants (continued) Decisions will be based on same set of criteria as 2003. This will be an expedited process with announcement of awards in early summer. Hope is to support a diverse set of demonstration projects across the country.

5. Additional Funding Opportunities Sub-grant program under the National School Transportation Association www.nsta.org. SEPs – Over 4 million under VEPCO; proposed $20 million under Toyota Motor Corporation – pending. Look for additional state/local SEP agreements/ for potential funding sources. Sub-grant program for school districts in partnership with their private school bus providers who are National School Transportation Association members www.nsta.org. Closed March 31st. Sub-grant program for school districts in partnership with their private school bus providers who are National School Transportation Association members www.nsta.org. Closed March 31st.

6. VEPCO-Funded Projects Virginia Electric Power Company is funding numerous diesel school bus retrofit projects in Region 3. These projects meet criteria in the settlement to involve fleets in diverse areas and areas with poor air quality. These projects advocate the use of engine retrofit technology, replacement with cleaner engines, the use of cleaner fuels and strategies that will reduce engine idling:

7. SEP Projects (continued) School District of Philadelphia (PA): $63K to convert one refueling depot to ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel to service 123 buses and subsidize the cost differential of fuel for one year. North Penn School District (PA): $151K to subsidize the cost differential of ULSD for the entire fleet of 136 buses for two years and to install PMFs or DOCs.

8. School Bus Projects . . Montgomery County Schools (MD): $300K to subsidize the cost differential of ULSD at the Bethesda depot and to retrofit model year 2000 buses with DOCs. Prince George’s County Schools (MD): $200K to retrofit model year 2000 and newer buses with DOCs and reprogram ECMs on appropriate buses.

9. School Bus Projects . . Anne Arundel County Schools (MD): $84K to retrofit model year 1998 and newer buses with DOCs and reprogram ECMs on appropriate buses. Fairfax County School District (VA): $1 million to retrofit 285 buses with DOCs and reprogram ECMs on same buses.

10. School Bus Projects . . Roanoke County Public Schools (VA): $275K to retrofit 100 buses with DOCs. Roanoke City Schools (VA): $250K to retrofit 100 buses with DOCs. Frederick County Public Schools (VA): $400K to retrofit 125 buses with DOCs.

11. School Bus Projects . . Winchester Public School District (VA): $70K to retrofit 18 buses with DOCs and reprogram ECMs on 6 buses. Virginia Beach and Norfolk City Schools (VA): $680K to expand the use of CNG buses and infrastructure. Purchase 11 CNG buses. Upgrade or build new CNG refueling site in VA Beach.

12. School Bus Projects . . Henrico County Public Schools (VA): $300K to retrofit 100 buses with DOCs. Berkeley and Jefferson County Schools (WV): $150K to retrofit 68 model year 1997 buses and newer DOCs.

13. Allegheny County Health Department Penn Hills School District (PA): $185K from county’s Clean Air Fund to retrofit up to 75 school buses with DOCs and to perform "pre-and post retrofit installation" verification testing of 10 buses.

14. President Bush Requests $65 Million for CSB USA Dollars would become available after Congress finalizes and the President signs. Grant dollars will be provided to replace pre-1991 school buses with new clean school buses offering state-of-the-art emission control and safety features and to retrofit post-1990 school buses with similar advanced emission controls. The $65 million is a thirteen-fold increase over 2004 funding levels. Line item in the 2005 budget.-Line item in the 2005 budget.-

15. Tomorrow's Technology for Today's Engines, Retrofit Conference 2004 EPA, the Diesel Technology Forum, and the Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association are joining together to present this conference on June 3-4 in Washington, D.C. Brings together government officials and leaders in the diesel engine, fuels and emissions control industry to highlight past successes and identify future opportunities. The Marriott at Metro Center - registration is free. Visit www.cleanfleetsusa.net/index.html

16. What Can School Districts Do Now? Notify EPA of your interest now by providing your contact information. Describe the kind of program you would like to implement. Talk to verified technology vendors about the technology that might be right for your fleet. Visit www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retroverifiedlist.htm

17. You Can Prepare by . . Checking the Clean School Bus USA web site at http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus and federal grants website at http://www.grants/gov. Assessing your school bus fleets by compiling records of vehicle and engine models; ages; annual mileage, etc. Identifying local resources that could be used to satisfy matching fund requirements such as local or state funding and/or private sector contributions.

18. Take Action Now Reduce school bus idling time to a minimum. Train drivers to avoid caravanning. Put the newest, cleanest buses in your fleet on the most active routes. Check the web site regularly for information and ideas.

19. EPA’s Goal To upgrade every diesel school bus in the nation by 2010. Committed to helping all school districts secure funds to retrofit or replace their aging fleets. Call or email me with your questions: Carol Febbo, U.S. EPA, Region 3, 215-814-2076, febbo.carol@epa.gov. Visit CleanSchoolBusUSA@epa.gov.