The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is announcing the availability of the 2023-24 application for the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program. All public school districts and other public entities are encouraged to consider applying to MDEQ for rebates of up to 25% toward the replacement of 2009 and older school buses with new school buses. The new school buses may be powered by diesel, a cleaner fuel alternative (e.g., gasoline), or a zero-emissions power source (e.g., battery or fuel cell).
MDEQ expects to provide upwards of $375,000 in rebates to selected school districts through a competitive application process. The Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Grants Program.
“The goal of the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program is to reduce emissions from diesel school buses through the early retirement of older buses,” said MDEQ Executive Director Chris Wells.
Since implementing the program in 2014, the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program has awarded over $2.4 million to 63 school districts for the purchase and replacement of 146 school buses.
For more information, including an application package and forms, visit https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/air/diesel-emission-reduction-grant-program/
or contact the following staff: David Matranga (601-961-5536; dmatranga@mdeq.ms.gov) or Jaricus Whitlock (601-961-5303; jwhitlock@mdeq.ms.gov)
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, February 23, 2024.
