The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the saint louis public schools (SLPS) to replace in-use, non-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $13,854,793 Project Grant under the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program (CFDA 66.049) to the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis (SLPS). The grant funding will be used to replace 30 eligible internal combustion engine Class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in EPA Region 07. The award will also support the purchase, installation, operation, and maintenance of charging and fueling equipment, as well as workforce development and training activities to support the new zero-emission vehicles. A subaward recipient will provide consulting services for future fleet electrification planning, vehicle and infrastructure procurement, installation, maintenance, and training. The project period runs from January 2025 to July 2027.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the saint louis public schools (SLPS) 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 07. The recipient will replace 30 eligible vehicles with comparable, eligible zero-emission vehicles under the school bus sub-program, resulting in cleaner air and improved health for communities in the city of saint louis. 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; providing workforce development and training to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of the new zero-emission vehicles; and engaging with community members both within and outside of the school district to increase awareness and understanding of the environmental and economic effectiveness of the implemented technology. Subrecipient:the subaward recipient will conduct a range of activities to support SLPS in accomplishing project goals including vehicle and infrastructure procurement, installation, maintenance, training, and operation. All equipment, including busses and chargers, will be owned by the subaward recipient and operated in partnership with SLPS. Activities will include: consulting services: planning for future fleet electrification, including identifying and processing incentives. Installation services: design, permit, install, interconnect chargers and infrastructure, and commission such equipment together with the vehicles (includes identifying and retaining qualified local subcontractors); evse installation (trenching, RE-paving, conduit, etc., engineering review and drawings, permitting). Electrical service equipment upgrades (distribution lines, transformers, etc.). System procurement services: procure equipment including vehicles (if applicable), chargers, and infrastructure. Training service: provide workforce development program training for drivers and mechanics in vehicle and charger operations and related maintenance. Provide emergency responder training. Educate teachers and students about electric school buses and benefits. Charge management services: evse fleet management software subscription inclusive of telematics, charge management, and asset management (5 YR subscription/bus). Remotely charge vehicles through the platform and pay for charging energy, and license platform to customer. Operations services: provide access to, operate, maintain chargers and infrastructure; support maintenance, including warranty claims, and reimburse customer for vehicle maintenance and repairs performed by customer or its dealer. Fleet operations and ongoing fleet maintenance and inspections. Provide access to, operate, maintain chargers and infrastructure; support maintenance, including warranty claims, and reimburse customer for vehicle maintenance and repairs performed by customer or its dealer. Technology implementation and support. Ongoing maintenance for all chargers.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include 30 zero-emission busses (ZEBS), 30 DC fast charger ports, 32 hours of training for staff, drivers, mechanics, and public safety officials, and at least two community forums to engage with and educate the community on ZEBS. The expected outcomes include reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), particulate matter (PM), and greenhouse gases (GHGS); improved air quality in the local area resulting in fewer respiratory illnesses that can cause child ER visits and school absenteeism reduced student absenteeism; school district savings resulting from reduced fuel and maintenance costs; and increased public awareness and support for ZEBS in the community. The intended beneficiaries include