LENEXA — At an event Monday with Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of two school bus rebate opportunities: 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates.

Included are Central Plains USD 112 based in Holyrood and Chase/Raymond USD 401 based in Chase. Both will receive $20,000 to go toward one bus.

The $7 million in ARP funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models; and the $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements across the country. 

“The historic investments in clean transportation resulting from President Biden’s leadership will have lasting impacts on protecting clean air for children for generations,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This round of school bus grants from the American Rescue Plan is just the beginning. The unprecedented $5 billion investment that’s on the way for clean and zero-emission school buses from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will transform how millions of children get to school and help build a better America for a new generation.” 

“This funding is a vivid demonstration of how local school bus infrastructure can be upgraded, while also improving air quality in our communities,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister. “We encourage all Region 7 school transportation fleet supervisors to learn more about this program.” 

As part of the announcement, 17 Kansas school districts and one bus service will be receiving a total of $455,000 in school bus rebate opportunities to replace 23 older buses through the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebates. 

To learn more about the upcoming Clean School Bus Program, visit: www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus. 

To learn more about the rebate programs, applicant eligibility, and selection process, visit: www.epa.gov/dera/rebates.