To provide capital assistance to dpts to aid in our zero emission fleet transition

The City of Decatur received a $31.44 million Project Grant awarded on May 2, 2025, by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the Buses and Bus Facilities Formula, Competitive, and Low or No Emissions Programs (CFDA 20.526). The award supports Decatur's zero-emission fleet transition through capital purchases of low and no-emission buses, including hybrid buses as a bridge technology during the transition period. The grant funds diesel-electric hybrid buses with battery technology comparable to battery-electric buses (BEBs), along with professional engineering services to support procurement and implementation. A key advantage of this award is accelerated production timelines through Gillig, which offered availability to produce the Even Flexes within 12 months rather than the typical 24-month production cycle.

Beyond vehicle procurement, the grant funds critical supporting infrastructure and workforce development initiatives. Deliverables include the construction of a sustainable bus wash facility, procurement and installation of solar panels, and upgrades to existing electrical infrastructure to accommodate solar systems and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Workforce development activities encompass training for maintenance personnel in personal protective equipment (PPE), mechanical systems, and advanced technical skills, as the existing maintenance crew holds only diesel certifications. The project is expected to conclude by September 15, 2029, and will primarily benefit City of Decatur residents who rely on public transportation while reducing carbon emissions in neighborhoods served by the transit system.

Activities

The city of decatur will utilize this grant to aid in capital purchases for low or no emission buses dcfc chargers professional engineering and workforce development. Gillig has an opening to produce the even flexes within the next few months in between their electric bus orders allowing decatur the opportunity for a shorter production time (under 12 months as opposed to the recent norm of 24 months). The buses being procured in this grant were listed as low emission a bridge to assist with the workforce development and not requiring chargers. The city of decatur understands that the chargers and electrical infrastructure would take time and that is why we applied for hybrids to help bridge the transition. Workforce development will begin to take place with these new buses; they have the same technology and batteries as BEB and the maintenance crew will need PPE training mechanical and tech training as none of them have certifications outside of diesel certifications. The other part of workforce development will occur with the electrical infrastructure dcfc chargers etc.

Expected outcomes

We will improve efficiency and sustainability while promoting workforce development for the city of decatur and dpts.

Intended beneficiaries

The city of decatur residents who rely on dpts as their mode of transportation and the neighborhoods near dpts will benefit from reduced CO emissions.

Subrecipient activities

No subrecipient activities.