Two area school districts were among six districts from around the state selected to receive up to $38,000 in reimbursements, as a match for a new school bus, to replace the oldest buses still in regular use. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the East Union School District in Union County, and West Harrison School District in Harrison County, were among those receiving a new bus, and retrofit refunding. Each of the six districts will also receive full reimbursement for retrofits, to reduce diesel emissions on bus engines older than 2004 models in their fleets. A total of $280,359 will be awarded.

The funds were made possible by the Iowa DNR through the U-S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Diesel Campaign. School Administrators of Iowa is handling administration of the grants on behalf of the DNR. The Bus Emissions Education Program (BEEP) assisted with grant publicity and other roles.

Additional information about the grants and BEEP is available at www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/AirQuality/BEEPSchoolbusEmissGrants.aspx.