This action approves an award of $5,925,000 under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) to the eastern band of cherokee indians

This $5,925,000 Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean School Bus Program (CFDA 66.045) will enable the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to replace 15 existing diesel school buses with 15 zero-emission electric school buses. The grant will also fund the purchase and installation of 3 DC fast chargers with 9 total charging ports to support the new electric bus fleet. Expected outcomes include reduced emissions, improved health and environmental benefits for the local community, workforce training for electric bus and charging infrastructure maintenance, and increased public awareness of electric vehicle technologies. The project performance period runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2026.

This agreement is to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) school buses. Activities:the activities include replacing 15 class 7 diesel school buses with 15 class 7 electric school buses, purchasing, and purchasing 3 DC fast chargers and related infrastructure. The new school buses will serve cherokee central schools. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include 15 new electric school buses to entirely electrify the bus fleet; 3 new DC fast chargers with 3 dispensers each (9 ports total); three trainings provided to staff, bus drivers, technicians, and mechanics; 650 students transported to school on esbs; and the publication of at least three public outreach items, including website/blog, newspaper articles, webinars, and outreach events. The expected outcomes include reduced emissions resulting in a healthier riding environment for students and staff; benefits to the communities affected by the project, including improvements to human health and the environment, the local economy, social conditions, and the welfare of residents in the community; improved workforce training programs for ESB and charging infrastructure; changes in driver behavior, such as reduced idling operations of clean school buses or optimizing efficiency of EV powertrain operations; increased knowledge and confidence among other fleet managers considering electrification; and increased public awareness of the benefits of EVS. The intended beneficiary is the eastern band of cherokee indians. Additional beneficiaries are the cherokee central school, the children who are brought to the school on esbs, community members of the town of cherokee, NC, and community members of jackson and swain counties.