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

This Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program (CFDA 66.049) provides $4,534,246 in funding to the Tempe Elementary School District (ESD) in Arizona. The grant supports the replacement of 15 older, diesel-powered school buses with new zero-emission electric vehicles, the installation of 15 charging stations, and workforce development and training activities related to the operation and maintenance of the electric fleet. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality and public health in the Maricopa County communities served by the Tempe ESD. The grant period runs from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.

The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to tempe elementary school district 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 9. The recipient will replace fifteen (15) eligible vehicles with comparable, eligible zero-emission vehicles under the tempe elementary school district (ESD) resulting in cleaner air and improved health for the communities in maricopa county. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $4,534,246. Preaward costs have been approved back to 1/1/25. 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. The project will replace 15 diesel school buses with zero-emission electric vehicles, install charging infrastructure, and provide training, outreach and various other components outlined in the approved workplan, such as community engagement to enhance public awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include the replacement of 15 older, diesel-powered school buses with zero-emission electric alternatives; the purchase and installation of 15 charging stations to support fueling and operation of buses; implementation of chargepoint software for fleet management and vehicle performance tracking; technician certification and training of fleet staff related to zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure; participation in local community engagement and utility events as well as educational outreach efforts; and monitoring and evaluating impacts of project on local air quality and public health. The expected outcomes include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions plus harmful pollutants like NOX and PM, resulting in improved air quality; implementation of a comprehensive performance tracking and management system for the entire fleet related to EV and charger usage; increased qualitative and quantitative information on the impacts of the project; establishing a reliable and accessible charging network for the electric fleet; and bolstered community awareness of zero-emission infrastructure and local efforts to improve air quality. The intended beneficiaries include the staff and students of tempe elementary school district (ESD) as well as residents of maricopa county.