This agreement provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) to van-CON, INC

This Project Grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean School Bus Program (CFDA 66.045) provides $18,911,861 to Van-Con, Inc. to replace existing diesel school buses with electric school buses and install DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers in several New Jersey school districts. The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compound emissions, benefiting the local communities. Key activities include purchasing and deploying the electric school buses, installing the charging infrastructure, and conducting driver and mechanic training as well as community engagement sessions. The award period runs from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2026.

This agreement is to replace existing diesel school buses with electric school buses, and install DC fast chargers and level 2 chargers. The project will result in the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCS).activities:the activities include replacing diesel school buses with battery electric buses; additionally, the grantee will purchase both AC level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers, and work with local utility companies to install those chargers. The new school buses and chargers will serve several school districts in new jersey. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include the replacement of diesel school buses with battery electric school buses in several new jersey public school districts. IT is estimated that many school-age students will be transported in the battery electric school buses every day. AC level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers will be purchased and installed. Several bus driver trainings and mechanical staff trainings will be held. Community engagement sessions will be conducted for every school district. The expected outcomes include annual lifetime emission reductions of CO2, NOX, CO, VOCS, SOX , and PM2.5. A substantial amount of diesel gallons will be averted. Project will benefit the communities affected by the project, and will result in improvements to human health and the environment, the local economy, social conditions, and the welfare of residents in such communities. Improved workforce training programs for zero emission vehicles and charging infrastructure and changes in driver behavior, such as reducing idling operations of clean school buses. Additionally, community engagement advancement will result in increased public awareness of clean school bus project and its results; and an increased understanding of the environmental, and economic effectiveness of the implemented technology. The intended beneficiaries include a third-party business van-CON and school districts in new jersey, many of which are prioritized high-need school districts in nonattainment areas.