The federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program is now accepting applications from qualifying school transportation providers for its second round of grant funding intended to fund the replacement of existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) school buses. The deadline for applying is August 22, 2023.
The EPA anticipates awarding approximately $400 million in competitive grant funding under the 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Funding for this program was approved as part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
Eligible school districts, tribes, contractors, and nonprofit school transportation associations may apply for funding to replace diesel-powered buses with new non-diesel models, including zero-emission electric school buses, and propane, or compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses.
According to the full announcement of this grant opportunity, school districts may apply for a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 50 school buses, and grant awards range up to a maximum of $395,000 per bus, including charging infrastructure. Per-bus funding levels depend on several prioritization criteria. A district may qualify for funding prioritization—spelled out in the full announcement—meaning the district could be eligible for up to 100% of the replacement cost of new buses.
All application packages need to be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) to be considered for funding.
Note: The EPA provides an online training course designed to introduce EPA grant applicants and recipients to key aspects of the entire grant life cycle, from preparation of an application through grant closeout.
