Tag: Newport News Public Schools

Newport News, Virginia – NNPS Receives Government Grant for Propane School Buses

Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia have secured a $525,000 grant to enhance their transportation fleet with eco-friendly alternatives, transitioning from diesel to propane-powered school buses. This funding, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Grant, will support the acquisition of 15 new propane school buses. This initiative is part… Continue reading Newport News, Virginia – NNPS Receives Government Grant for Propane School Buses

Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia have secured a $525,000 grant to enhance their transportation fleet with eco-friendly alternatives, transitioning from diesel to propane-powered school buses. This funding, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Grant, will support the acquisition of 15 new propane school buses.

This initiative is part of a broader national effort under the Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition, which distributed nearly $1 billion to 67 applicants nationwide. With this latest addition, Newport News will increase its propane bus fleet from 153 to 168, making up over half its total fleet of 318 buses.

Shay Coates, the executive director of student transportation at NNPS, highlighted the significant impact of this shift. “Adding propane-fueled buses not only supports environmental initiatives but also offers substantial savings in fuel and maintenance costs for the district,” Coates explained.

The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program has made substantial strides in promoting environmental justice and economic growth by funding around 5,000 electric and low-emission buses nationwide, amounting to nearly $2 billion in awards. These efforts aim to improve air quality for students and their families while supporting the transition to more sustainable transportation solutions.

Newport News, VA, Schools Awarded EPA Grant for Eco-Friendly Buses

EPA Boosts Newport News with Clean School Bus Funding The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently unveiled the inaugural recipients of the Clean School Bus Program, with Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, VA, securing $525,000. This funding, announced on January 8, 2024, is part of a national initiative to promote eco-friendly school… Continue reading Newport News, VA, Schools Awarded EPA Grant for Eco-Friendly Buses

EPA Boosts Newport News with Clean School Bus Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently unveiled the inaugural recipients of the Clean School Bus Program, with Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, VA, securing $525,000. This funding, announced on January 8, 2024, is part of a national initiative to promote eco-friendly school transportation. Newport News will utilize the grant to enhance its fleet with 15 propane-powered school buses.

Shay Coates, the Executive Director of Pupil Transportation at Newport News Public Schools, expressed pride in receiving the 2023 EPA Clean School Bus Program Grant. The shift to propane buses is a smart environmental move and a cost-effective strategy for the district, significantly cutting fuel and maintenance expenses.

The funding has garnered praise from Virginia’s political leaders. Congressman Bobby Scott applauded the district’s selection for the EPA grant, highlighting the importance of low and zero-emission buses in providing cleaner air for children during their commutes and in their communities. He emphasized their many benefits, ranging from green job creation to enhancing student health.

U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner from Virginia also celebrated the achievement. Senator Kaine noted the impact of clean buses in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding the environment. Senator Warner echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the funding’s role in fostering a healthier future for students and the community.

This grant is a segment of a larger initiative under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enabling over 2,700 clean school buses to be purchased across various districts. The program’s extensive reach benefits 280 school districts in 37 states and serves more than 7 million students.

The EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, with January 31, 2024 being the deadline. This move marks a significant step towards more sustainable and health-conscious transportation in school systems nationwide.