| Funding request due Feb 1, 2022 |
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is now accepting applications to replace old diesel school buses through the Clean School Bus Program. This is a second round of funding for battery electric and propane school buses, and previous applicants, including previous award recipients, are eligible to apply for additional funds. More than $10 million is available and applications are due Feb. 1.
Informational webinars for potential applicants will be held on Oct. 26 and Nov. 4.
The Request for Applications provides an overview of the application timeline and process, information on applicant and project eligibility, available funding, reimbursement requirements, scoring and selection criteria, and award process. More information is available on DEQ’s Volkswagen webpage.
Important dates
Oct.15, 2021 – Application opens
Oct. 26, 2021 – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Webinar for potential applicants (Register here)
Oct. 26, 2021 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Webinar for potential applicants (Register here)
Nov. 4, 2021 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Charging infrastructure assessment workshop (Click here at the beginning of the webinar; no registration required. Zoom meeting ID: 837 0719 331; passcode: 967280)
Feb. 1, 2022 – Applications due
February 2022 – Intent to award notifications issued to successful applicants
Additional opportunities
Two additional funding opportunities for clean school buses may also be of interest. These rebate programs, through the American Rescue Planand Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, will provide approximately $17 million to eligible applicants. Note that the American Rescue Plan rebate program is available to school districts in The Town of Colonial Beach, the cities of Danville, Emporia, Franklin, Galax, Martinsville and Petersburg, and Lee County. Applications for these rebate programs are due Nov. 5.