School districts trying to reduce diesel vehicle emissions can seek financial aid from two state programs.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality recently announced that project funds are available through the Oklahoma Clean Diesel Program (DERA) and the Alternative Fuel School Bus Program. Each program offers funding for different types of projects.
The Clean Diesel/DERA Program is offering about $785,000, which can be used to replace EMY 1996-2009 Class 5-8 diesel school buses with new diesel or gasoline buses. For more details, visit https://www.deq.ok. gov/air-quality-division/ clean-dieseldera/ or email cleandiesel@deq.ok.gov.
The Alternative Fuel School Bus Program, funded by the Volkswagen State Environmental Trust, is offering about $1.3 million for the following types of projects:
• Replacing 2009 or older Class 4-8 diesel buses with new alternative-fuel buses.
• Electric charging support if the applicant is seeking an electric bus replacement.
For the purposes of this program, alternative fuels include all electric, propane, and natural gas.
For more, go to Alternative Fuel School Bus Program - Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality or email questions to VWSettlement@deq. ok.gov.
Funding applications for both programs will be accepted through Dec. 4.