Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program seeks bus projects

Source: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program is accepting applications for the first round of funding with more than $58 million available for projects to replace or repower school buses, transit buses, and shuttle buses. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Any person or entity who operates school buses, transit buses, or shuttle buses, with at least 51 percent of the buses’ annual mileage in one of the priority areas may be eligible to apply for a grant. Areas include:

• Austin Area: Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties
• Beaumont-Port Arthur Area: Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties
• Bell County
• Dallas-Fort Worth Area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Wise counties
• El Paso County
• Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties
• San Antonio Area: Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, and Wilson counties

An eligible bus must be powered by a diesel engine and may be replaced or repowered with a new all-electric, diesel, or alternative fuel vehicle or engine. In addition:

• School buses include a bus with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 14,001 pounds or greater and which is intended to carry students to and from school and related events.
• Transit and shuttle buses include a bus with a GVWR of 14,001 pounds or greater and which carry passengers on routes within a city or defined regional area.

Informational workshops will be held throughout the month of May.

Get the workshop schedule.
Contact TxVEMP staff at 833-215- 8989 or VWsettle@tceq.texas.gov with questions.