New York announces $200M bond act funding for zero-emission school buses

On Monday, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul announced her state would be providing school districts and bus operators with an additional $200 million for zero-emission school buses.

The money, part of the second installment of funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act would provide support for the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure or fleet electrification planning for public schools to transition to zero-emission technologies, Hochul said.

“Paving the way for zero-emission school buses not only cleans our air, it protects the health and wellbeing of our students,” Hochul said. “With increased funding for school to transition to clean transportation options, we are reducing harmful emissions and pollution, helping to ensure that both students and residents are breathing clean, fresh air and enjoying healthier environments to live, work and do business.”

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the funds will be distributed by the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) to eligible school districts and bus fleet operators. The funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, officials said, with incentive amounts covering up to 100 percent of the cost of new or re-powered zero-emission school buses, depending on the type of vehicle. Charging vouchers will also be available to offset the cost of installing Level 2 or DCFC fast chargers. All school districts in the state will also qualify for fleet electrification plans, which provide districts with a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.

“NYSERDA is proud to help New York State public schools transition to clean, electric student transportation fleets with a robust funding available for buses, charging infrastructure, and electrification plans,” New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said. “We look forward to supporting more schools with this additional Bond Act funding so more students across the state can enjoy healthy, quiet and comfortable rides to and from school each and every day.”

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