This action approves an award in the amount of $8,680,000.00 to provide funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to north carolina department of public instruction to replace in use, non zero…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $8,680,000 Project Grant under the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program (CFDA 66.049) to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI). The grant funding will enable NC DPI to replace 31 eligible internal combustion engine Class 7 school buses with zero-emission Class 7 electric school buses across 13 school districts in North Carolina. The project activities include purchasing and installing 31 direct current (DC) fast charging units, engaging with the community, and providing workforce development and training to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of the new zero-emission school buses. The anticipated outcomes include an increased number of students riding electric school buses, reduced diesel engine idling hours, and improved air quality and decreased noise pollution in the targeted school districts. The project period runs from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2028.

This action approves an award in the amount of $8,680,000.00 to provide funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to north carolina department of public instruction to replace in use, non zero emission heavy duty vehicles with new zero emission vehicles to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in environmental protection agency region 4. The recipient will replace 31 eligible vehicles with comparable, eligible zero emission vehicles under the school bus sub program, resulting in cleaner air and improved health for the communities in 13 school districts in north carolina. Activities:the activities include replacing eligible internal combustion engine class 7 school buses with 31 eligible zero emission class 7 electric school buses; purchasing, installing, operating, and maintaining charging and fueling equipment to maintain the new zero emission vehicles; engaging with the community in a constructive manner to encourage contributions to the project's design, planning, and execution; and providing workforce development and training to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of the new zero emission school buses.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include 31 electric school buses and 31 direct current (DC) fast charging units in 13 school districts; quarterly, annual, and a final report for EPA review and approval; yearly community engagement activities; a clear point of contact for community input; an ongoing collection of electric vehicle (EV) fleet system data on operational cost of EV buses; training for staff, bus drivers, mechanics, and other EV service providers; and workforce development programs related to clean jobs. The expected outcomes include increased number of students riding electric school buses versus diesel; reduction of internal combustion engine idling hours; improved air quality and decreased noise pollution in districts where the buses operate; increased availability of domestic manufacturing and workforce capacity to support the production, operation, and maintenance of EVS; reduced workplace risk, enhanced driver efficiency, and increased worker confidence operating and maintaining zero emission vehicles; and an increased understanding of EV technology and public awareness of the clean heavy duty vehicle program, as well as any upcoming initiatives. The intended beneficiaries include the schoolchildren and surrounding communities of 13 school districts in north carolina. These districts are anson, buncombe, asheville, cabarrus, gates, graham, granville, harnett, orange, stanly, transylvania, wake, and wayne.