The grant agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to roanoke city public school district (rcps) to replace in-use, non-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles with new…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $25,640,965 project grant to the Roanoke City Public School District (RCPS) under the federal Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program (CFDA 66.049). The grant funding will be used to replace 50 non-zero-emission school buses in RCPS's fleet with new zero-emission electric vehicles. The project also includes the installation of 50 DC fast chargers with vehicle-to-grid capability at the bus depot, as well as workforce development and training programs to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of the new electric buses. The anticipated outcomes include significant reductions in local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, improved health outcomes for students and community members, lower long-term operational costs, and the creation of new jobs in clean transportation technology within the Roanoke City area. No sub-awards are included in this assistance agreement.

The grant agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to roanoke city public school district (rcps) to replace in-use, non-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in EPA region 3. The recipient will replace 50 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 roanoke city, virginia. Activities:the activities include replacing eligible internal combustion engine class 6 and class 7 vehicles with eligible zero-emission vehicles; purchasing, installing, operating, and maintaining charging and fueling equipment to maintain the new zero-emission vehicles; and providing workforce development and training to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of the new zero-emission vehicles. Roanoke city public schools aims to transition 50 fossil fueled school buses to zero-emission electric buses. This project aligns with EPA's clean heavy duty vehicle program goals and underscores our district's commitment to improve air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing healthier transportation for our students. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include: vehicle acquisition: rcps will acquire and deploy 50 electric school buses, replacing older internal combustion engine buses. These buses will serve approximately 3000 students, significantly reducing harmful emissions in our community. Charging infrastructure: install 50 DC fast chargers with V2G capability at the mentioned bus depot, ensuring efficient and reliable charging for our new electric fleet. Facility upgrade: upgrade the bus depot with necessary electrical improvements to support the new charging infrastructure. Workforce development: implement a comprehensive training program for drivers, mechanics, and support staff to ensure safe and efficient operation of the new electric buses and charging equipment. The expected outcomes include significant reduction in local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in roanoke city; improved health outcomes for rcps students and community members, particularly in areas with high air pollution levels; lower operational costs over the long term due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses; enhanced learning opportunities for rcps students in clean energy and environmental science; and the creation of new jobs in clean transportation technology within the roanoke city area. The intended beneficiaries include students and community members in roanoke city, virginia.