Chicago area schools to receive new electric buses thanks to federal grant
CHICAGO - Several school districts in the Chicago area are going to receive dozens of new electric buses and charging stations thanks to a federal grant.
The Illinois State Board of Education will distribute the $19.9 million to nine schools to replace 70 internal combustion engine buses with new electric buses. The grant will also pay for 70 electric vehicle charging stations and training to support the new technology.
The grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act.
ISBE said the following school districts will receive the new electric buses:
- Forest Park School District 91 will receive five buses
- Franklin Park School District 84 will receive three buses
- Hazel Crest School District 152.5 will receive one bus
- Joliet Township High School District 204 will receive 10 buses
- Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103 will receive four buses
- Marengo Union Elementary CSD 165 will receive two buses
- Township High School District 113 in Highland Park will receive three buses
- Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C will receive 32 buses
- Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 will receive 10 buses
"Clean transportation solutions not only create healthier living and learning environments for our students but also save money for our school districts and taxpayers," said State Supt. of Education Dr. Tony Sanders, in a statement. "I am proud of our staff here at the Illinois State Board of Education for winning this competitive grant and securing this valuable investment in Illinois’ clean energy future."
In addition, three other Illinois school districts, Grayslake Community Consolidated School District 46, North Chicago CUSD 187, and Zion Elementary School District 6 also received direct funding through the EPA’s grant program.