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Board authorizes next step on zero-emission school bus grant application amid cost and infrastructure concerns
Summary
Transportation staff outlined ZESB grant incentives of about $340,000 per bus but also said vehicle and charger costs and infrastructure upgrades could leave a notable local share; trustees authorized proceeding to the next application step while preserving the ability to decline before a binding purchase order.
Transportation staff described the district’s exploration of state zero-emission school bus incentives and related grants, noting the state incentive offer of roughly $340,000 per bus but that the buses being reviewed cost about $425,000–$460,000, leaving a potential local share of roughly $85,000–$120,000 per vehicle before stacking other grants. Staff explained substantial infrastructure work could be required — new panels, trenching across the bus yard and fast chargers or overnight (level 2) chargers — and that mountainous routes reduce range compared with flat-terrain estimates.
Transportation staff (Speaker 1) said, “so that's where we're at for the bus for the grant money from the Zesby project... the $340,000 per bus.”
Trustees discussed supply risk, charger options (level 2 versus DC fast or bidirectional), battery lifespan concerns and whether hybrid or used-diesel options should be studied alongside full electrification. One trustee moved that the district be authorized to take the next step in the application process with the understanding that a final decision and any binding grant agreement or purchase order would return to the board; the motion passed by roll-call affirmations.
