Northern Michigan schools to receive grant funds for environmentally friendly buses

29 school districts statewide to benefit from grant funds

CADILLAC — Several schools in Northern Michigan will receive a portion of nearly $30 million in state funds from the Michigan Department of Education to replace school buses with ones that are more environmentally friendly.

The funding from Michigan’s Clean School Bus grant program is to reduce harmful emissions and promote healthier air quality by converting pupil transportation fleets from diesel-powered vehicles to buses with low or no greenhouse gas emissions as determined by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Schools in Northern Michigan set to receive grant funding among the 29 chosen districts include:

• Mason County Eastern District
• Ludington Area Schools
• West Shore Educational Service District
• Kalkaska Public Schools
• Alpena Public Schools
• Vanderbilt Area School
• Pellston Public School

Funding can be used for buses that operate using electricity, propane, or natural gas. Clean school buses offer low/no tailpipe pollution, reduced maintenance costs for districts, and improved air quality for children.

Between the 29 school districts chosen across the state a total of 114 school busses will be distributed.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said the Clean School Bus grant program supports Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.

“By improving the health, safety and wellness of learners by providing funding for cleaner school buses communities from around the state will have cleaner air due to the efforts of their local school districts,” Rice said.

The grant funding was provided under Section 74b of the fiscal year 2024 State School Aid Act.

With funds from the federal Environmental Protection Agency through the Biden-Harris Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has also invested in clean school buses.

EGLE Director Phil Roos said the commitment by state and federal governments to provide schools with more environmentally friendly buses is good for Michigan children.

“(It’s) good for our schools and good for our communities,” Roos said. “Under Governor Whitmer’s leadership, we are investing in electric school buses, improving air quality, allowing schools to invest in the classroom, and advancing the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. These efforts are accelerating Michigan’s transition to a prosperous, healthy, equitable clean energy future.”