Two school districts in Missouri are set to receive over $15.8 million through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. This initiative aims to enhance air quality by supporting the districts in purchasing new electric school buses, a move backed by the Investing in America Agenda under the Biden administration.
According to an EPA news release, these funds will facilitate the transition of school districts to low- and zero-emission vehicles while also fostering job creation with decent wages. The Ferguson-Florissant R-II district is slated to receive $6.3 million for the purchase of 16 school buses, while $9.4 million has been allocated for the Ritenour School District to acquire 24 school buses.
"Today, we're once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. He added that he had witnessed firsthand students' excitement during their initial ride on a clean school bus, reflecting the positive impact of sound policy decisions. "Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time."
Furthermore, First Student Inc., a third-party organization, will receive $13.1 million for procuring 35 buses in Missouri and Kansas. Highland CSB 1 LLC is set to be granted $20.7 million for purchasing 70 buses across Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
U.S. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) expressed her enthusiasm about this development: "Kids and families in our district rely on up-to-date and efficient buses to get to school every day." She noted that she was thrilled about Ferguson-Florissant and Ritenour school districts receiving federal grants for 40 electric school buses. Additional funding will also be disbursed to Highland and First Student School transportation service providers in the region. "This is a double win. It ensures that schools in Missouri’s First District have dependable and safe transportation for our community and helps create a cleaner and healthier environment for all of us."
