Aberdeen council backs up to $30,000 local share for propane bus grant application

The City of Aberdeen council on July 7 approved a city commitment of up to $30,000 to cover the local share required to apply for a propane-powered transit bus grant.

Transit staff asked the council for authorization to submit a letter of intent by the application deadline, and to commit up to $30,000 or less as the city match. Staff said the application must be filed quickly — the letter is due by July 14 — and that the local share could be budgeted in the 2026 city budget.

Transit staff told the council the proposed vehicle would be a 24‑passenger propane bus; the city would need a CDL driver to operate it and staff said full-time drivers are already CDL‑certified. The city does not have an on-site propane fueling station; staff confirmed a private vendor, Performance Oil (west of town), can provide refueling.

Staff described operational advantages of propane, including lower fuel costs, and said the proposed bus would replace an older vehicle in coming years. Transit staff noted the city’s spare-bus ratio is currently about 17 percent and that the recommended spare ratio is 20 percent.

Council action: The council approved the local-commitment request and authorized staff to file the grant application and letter of intent. The roll-call vote was recorded in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: Staff will file the letter of intent by the application deadline, include the local match in the 2026 budget process and continue coordination with the refueling vendor and fleet operations.