Deadline close at hand for schools seeking school bus replacement money

 

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is reminding school districts of an approaching Nov. 1 deadline for those seeking funds to replace their diesel or gasoline-powered school buses.

The Clean Diesel/DERA FY23-24 program will offer at least $331,700 but it could also be as much as $1,305,000 if expected additional federal funding is granted. The money will go to replace diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, and all-electric powered school buses. Reimbursement ranges from 25% to 45% and are listed below.

  • Oklahoma may fund up to 25% of the cost of a new replacement vehicle powered by a 2021 model year or newer engine certified to EPA emission standards.
  • Oklahoma may fund up to 35% of the cost of a new replacement vehicle powered by a 2021 model year or newer engine certified to meet CARB’s Optional Low-NOx Standards.
  • Oklahoma may fund up to 45% of the cost of a new 2021 model year or newer zero-emission (all-electric) replacement vehicle. Eligible cost can include the purchase and installation of one charging unit per vehicle, including the unit and charging cable, mount and/or pedestal.

The application period ends Friday, November 1, 2024.

For more information, school districts are advised to reach out to the following website:

www.deq.ok.gov/air-quality-division/clean-diesel-dera/