District turns to grants to fund propane-powered buses

By Roz Weis,

Joining other school districts across the country, the Decorah Community School District plans to apply for grants to replace its diesel-burning school buses through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program. 

Meeting in special session Monday afternoon, school board members authorized District Transportation Director Christopher Pronschinske to submit an application for funding from the EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program. The deadline to apply for the grant funds is Jan. 9.

The board voted last month to purchase the district’s first propane-powered bus. The new bus will be added to the district’s current 40-bus diesel-powered fleet.

Potential funding from the Clean School Bus Rebate Program cannot be used for the bus which was approved in December, but those dollars could be used for any additional clean-fuel buses the school may purchase in the future. Buses being considered for replacement must be diesel-powered 2010 models or older in order to be eligible for the EPA funds. Buses being considered for the funding are expected to be scrapped if successful in their application.

Pronschinske said he has identified one bus for replacement. 

He noted the EPA funding is not guaranteed but, if approved, the Decorah District could receive $25,000 to be put toward the purchase of a propane bus.

Board members debated the purchase of a propane bus during previous meetings, and members unanimously approved the purchase in December after citing factors such as a reduction in maintenance, decreased idling time for buses, fuel reduction and faster warm-up time when compared with the aging diesel models.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13.

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