New York State said Monday that an additional $200 million is now available to school districts and bus operators for electric school buses through the second installment of funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
The funding, distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program, provides support for the purchase of electric buses, charging infrastructure or fleet electrification planning as public schools transition to zero-emission technologies.
“Paving the way for zero-emission school buses not only cleans our air, it protects the health and wellbeing of our students,” Governor Kathy 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, NYSBIP provides incentives to eligible school districts and bus fleet operators purchasing electric buses.
It also offers charging vouchers to school districts or bus operators and provides funding for these groups to develop fleet electrification plans.
This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with incentive amounts covering up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or repowered zero-emission school bus, depending on the type of vehicle, helping make the cost of an electric bus comparable to that of a gas or diesel bus.
Charging vouchers can offset the cost of installing Level 2 or DCFC fast chargers.
All school districts in New York State also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide each 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,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris.
“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.”
Larger funding amounts are available for high-need school districts and disadvantaged communities, as determined by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group criteria.
While these districts are defined as priority districts through this program, all school districts can earn increased incentives through the program with additional eligible funding amounts available for removing a gas or diesel bus from operation, purchasing wheelchair accessible buses, or purchasing buses with vehicle to grid capability.
All school districts that complete fleet electrification plans also become eligible for higher funding amounts.